Bent frame?
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Senior User
Joined: May 2006
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Bent frame?
My 2003 just doesn't drive right anymore.
I bought some new tires and all of a sudden it crabs when on the highway 70-80 mph.
I have new ball joints. Hubs, and a few other front end parts to rectify the issue with no help.
Alignment shops haven't been any help either. Tire shop replaced the tires with sweet michelins that helped minimally.
So I went to measure the wheelbase, center to center and sure enough there is a 1-1/2" difference between the left and right side.
I have had a few minor bumper dings, one at appx 20 mph, but nothing earth shattering.
I'm getting my baby ready to sell and don't want this to be a headache for the next guy.
Can something be loose in the rear end?
It does feel like the rear wants to swing around and be in front.
Tia
Alan
I bought some new tires and all of a sudden it crabs when on the highway 70-80 mph.
I have new ball joints. Hubs, and a few other front end parts to rectify the issue with no help.
Alignment shops haven't been any help either. Tire shop replaced the tires with sweet michelins that helped minimally.
So I went to measure the wheelbase, center to center and sure enough there is a 1-1/2" difference between the left and right side.
I have had a few minor bumper dings, one at appx 20 mph, but nothing earth shattering.
I'm getting my baby ready to sell and don't want this to be a headache for the next guy.
Can something be loose in the rear end?
It does feel like the rear wants to swing around and be in front.
Tia
Alan
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 6,801
Likes: 7
From: DFW, TX-GoldCanyon, AZ
X2 on the leaf springs..
1.5" is HUGE...
Make sure you don't have a sheared front leaf spring bolt... They are hard as heck to get out and. I have never seen one shear on a Ford before... The front bushings are usually captive and don't go bad all of a sudden, but that's another place to look..
Pretty easy to diagnose a loose rear end.
Have someone in the truck and hold their foot on the brake and give it a little bit of throttle, the rear end will generally shift on the right side if in a forward gear. Then put in reverse and do it again.
1.5" is HUGE...
Make sure you don't have a sheared front leaf spring bolt... They are hard as heck to get out and. I have never seen one shear on a Ford before... The front bushings are usually captive and don't go bad all of a sudden, but that's another place to look..
Pretty easy to diagnose a loose rear end.
Have someone in the truck and hold their foot on the brake and give it a little bit of throttle, the rear end will generally shift on the right side if in a forward gear. Then put in reverse and do it again.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,472
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Even just with a wheel mounted system they should have found a 1.5" side to side difference.
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Lead Driver
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I have had a few minor bumper dings, one at appx 20 mph, but nothing earth shattering.
That's more than enough to bend the frame. Find a real frame shop in your area, or a private/good alignment shop (not a chain). Ask the hot rodders what shops they use, if you can't find any references.
That's more than enough to bend the frame. Find a real frame shop in your area, or a private/good alignment shop (not a chain). Ask the hot rodders what shops they use, if you can't find any references.
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