Front end problem
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 573
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From: Medina, Tn.
Front end problem
I have had the front end alligned but it still pulls quiet a bit to the left. I have rotated the tires just in case it was something in one of them but it still pulls prety good. What do I need to look for and could I do the repair myself. I don't have the ability of Steve83 or some of you other guys by a long shot but I was able to replace my timing chain, sprokets etc... with the help of this forum as well as most minor work on it. Hell, I've had it for almost 14 years so I have probably saved thousands by doing most of my own work. I have Haynes and Chilton manuals as well as Mitchell software to use but just don't really know where to start.
Thanks again for the help.
Thanks again for the help.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 0
From: Round Rock, TX
Front end problem
Most places that do alignments will recheck it for you within the first 5,000 miles in case something goes wrong. I took advantage of that yesterday with my Bronco. If they align it with bad front end parts, they may get it within spec on the rack, but the slop in the bad parts will change all the values as soon as they're moved.
Bad radius arm bushings are a common headache when aligning full-size Ford trucks from '65 on, especially the passenger side since the catalytic converter. Check to see if it looks brittle or degraded; it may be time to replace it, which isn't that hard. Do the standard wiggle test on the front-get both wheels off the ground, then grab one of the wheels and gently but firmly move turn it left to right and watch to see if there's excessive play in the tie rods or centerlink where it meets the pitman arm (arm that comes off the steering gearbox). If you see play any of these places, replace the affected part and then get it realigned. Don't mention to the shop that you've replaced parts; just tell them that it doesn't seem quite right since they worked on it last.
Next, you can put a bar or other long, rigid item under each front tire and lift up and down; you don't want to see play where the spindle connects to the I-beam; you want the I-beam to move up and down with the tire.
Have you taken the front hubs apart recently? If you have, perhaps the bearings are loose and the spindle nut needs to be tightened up a bit.
Those few things should keep you busy for a little while; let us know what comes of it.
Bad radius arm bushings are a common headache when aligning full-size Ford trucks from '65 on, especially the passenger side since the catalytic converter. Check to see if it looks brittle or degraded; it may be time to replace it, which isn't that hard. Do the standard wiggle test on the front-get both wheels off the ground, then grab one of the wheels and gently but firmly move turn it left to right and watch to see if there's excessive play in the tie rods or centerlink where it meets the pitman arm (arm that comes off the steering gearbox). If you see play any of these places, replace the affected part and then get it realigned. Don't mention to the shop that you've replaced parts; just tell them that it doesn't seem quite right since they worked on it last.
Next, you can put a bar or other long, rigid item under each front tire and lift up and down; you don't want to see play where the spindle connects to the I-beam; you want the I-beam to move up and down with the tire.
Have you taken the front hubs apart recently? If you have, perhaps the bearings are loose and the spindle nut needs to be tightened up a bit.
Those few things should keep you busy for a little while; let us know what comes of it.
