truck sway problem
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: USA/Indiana
truck sway problem
well ive noticed that my 1980 f100 sways when going about 45 to 50 mph and the steering is real loose as well just wondering if anyone knows what would cause this or if its just how its supposed to be since its an old truck. also the two front tires are old and worn but im getting new ones the 2nd of march back tires are basically brand new. thanks for any help 
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I would take it to a decent front end place that knows how to work on these trucks and have the front end inspected (pre-alignment, as it were) and see what they find. It shouldn't do that....
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
Do let anyone tell you that because your truck is old, it's going to sway and not inspire confidence when you drive it. They all drove good when they were new, and there is no reason why it still can't, if you replace the parts that are bad.
I think the easiest thing for you to do is go get the two new front tires. Most places will want to align it also. If this is a good place that you trust, tell them you think you have worn parts, and to go ahead while they have it, and check the front end out. A good shop will not try to align it if it has worn parts on the front end(it really cannot be properly aligned with a worn front suspension). When they come back with the report, you can find out how much it's going to cost, and either get them to do the work or you can make a list, and tell them you are going to buy the parts and do the work, and then bring it back in. They may charge you a small fee for looking at it, but maybe not since you just bought tires.
I think the easiest thing for you to do is go get the two new front tires. Most places will want to align it also. If this is a good place that you trust, tell them you think you have worn parts, and to go ahead while they have it, and check the front end out. A good shop will not try to align it if it has worn parts on the front end(it really cannot be properly aligned with a worn front suspension). When they come back with the report, you can find out how much it's going to cost, and either get them to do the work or you can make a list, and tell them you are going to buy the parts and do the work, and then bring it back in. They may charge you a small fee for looking at it, but maybe not since you just bought tires.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: USA/Indiana
well theres not to many places i would trust around here considering i never take any of my vehicles to a shop i normally have my dad grandpa or family friends look at it. i also dont know if i explained the situation right its kinda hard to explain. but when i get to around 45 to 50 sometimes 35 to 40 if its a bumpy road, but i find my self trying to keep the truck in my lane or to not go off the road if its a small road, but if its not a bumpy road and i get to around 45 to 50 if i turn the wheel a little it feels the the truck just pulls the way i turn it and then i find my self trying to get it straight again. ive talked to a few people about it and they say they have somewhat the same problem and they explained it to me that it kinda feels like the two front tires are folding into each other but i dont know it thats how i would put it.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Man, the exact symptoms and their description don't matter, the important part is to have your front end inspected by somebody who knows what they're looking for. My suspicion is you need ball joints but possibly just an alignment will suffice.
Go to your local chapter and ask people who they can recommend for front end stuff like this.
Go to your local chapter and ask people who they can recommend for front end stuff like this.
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