Worn "I" beams???
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 91
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From: Callahan US
Worn "I" beams???
I am having a wandering steer problem. I know that I have to replace my radius arm bushings, but upon inspection I have noticed that the pivot point on the I beam (where it connects to the frame opposite the tire) has a noticeable amount of play side to side. Is this a bushing that I can replace or do I have to take them somewhere to have this fixed. I would like to fix it myself if possible. Any info please. If the part is available at the parts store, what is it called.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
Worn "I" beams???
Some eighties models had the old king pin setup, others had ball joints. You will have to look at them to tell unless the parts shop has the specs for that year and model.
Drop a dime on 'em man! Call 'em up and see what they say...
Steering wander can also be caused by a bad gearbox. I just replaced one, and it was a piece 'O cake. Piece of change too - $195.oo
Drop a dime on 'em man! Call 'em up and see what they say...
Steering wander can also be caused by a bad gearbox. I just replaced one, and it was a piece 'O cake. Piece of change too - $195.oo
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 91
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From: Callahan US
Worn "I" beams???
Its not the kingpin or in my case ball joint side. Its the other end that has the play. The steering box is good to go to. I adjusted the play in it and replaced the rag joints too. the only place that I have any movement is the end of the I beams WHERE IT PIVOTS ON THE FRAME, and the radius arm bushings. I just need to know if the axle end bushing is something I can change myself or do I need some wierd press or something
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,330
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From: Dryden, ON, Canada
Worn "I" beams???
Greywolf: Just for refrence, 80 and 81 F100/150's had Kingpins, 82-up have Balljoints. For 250's and 350's, I'm pretty sure they ran 'em right up until 86(80-84 is definite.) I do know they are an absolute PITA to change....
Evan
Evan
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,330
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From: Dryden, ON, Canada
Worn "I" beams???
Well, Steve already answered your question, your axle pivot bushings are shot.
Evan
Evan
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: GANS
Worn "I" beams???
love2fixit: you can generally get aftermarket "axle pivot bushings" from energy suspension or prothane if you can't give them from an auto parts store.
according to my haines manual, you need a special ford tool to take them out, but most people i've seen drill/torch the rubber out of the bushing, then cut the outer ring out with a die grinder or air chisel. then i'd imagine you could just pound them back in with a 2x4 and a big hammer.
82F100SWB: my (after 01/85) '85 has ball joints- i think they changed to balll joints in 01/85, since all the tie rods and draglinks are a different part number for after 01/85.
according to my haines manual, you need a special ford tool to take them out, but most people i've seen drill/torch the rubber out of the bushing, then cut the outer ring out with a die grinder or air chisel. then i'd imagine you could just pound them back in with a 2x4 and a big hammer.
82F100SWB: my (after 01/85) '85 has ball joints- i think they changed to balll joints in 01/85, since all the tie rods and draglinks are a different part number for after 01/85.
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 91
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From: Callahan US
Worn "I" beams???
Thanks Bremen242. That was the answer I was looking for. Ijust needed to know if I would be putting these thing back in broke or fixed. Thanks Ya'll. I'll give it a shot.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
Worn "I" beams???
Future reference:
Energy Suspension makes a complete kit called a "Master Bushing Kit" with every bushing in your truck for around a hundred dollars.
They are urethane bushings too, so it should tighten things up a lot and last forever.
Energy Suspension makes a complete kit called a "Master Bushing Kit" with every bushing in your truck for around a hundred dollars.
They are urethane bushings too, so it should tighten things up a lot and last forever.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,739
Likes: 3
From: GANS
Worn "I" beams???
i didn't know if there was a master bushing kit or not. I bought mine seperate for the cab and the springs. I didn't get the pivots, cuz mine were in good shape... I might do that later though.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,357
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From: S. Mississippi
Worn "I" beams???
I'm also going to need a set of axle pivot bushings, as my truck wanders when you hit bumps in the road...or when you corner above 55mph... which is kind of scary when you got the radio up full blast, cruising along and you realize you are going off the road instead of cornering... 