Radius Arm Question
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Akron,OH
Radius Arm Question
I just bought a 1977 F100, After getting it home and upon my inspection I noticed that on the drivers side that the "Radius Arm insulaters" had dry rotted and fell out. I am not much of a suspension guru or anything and i was wondering what types of problems does this condidtion cause? I drove it home 200 miles from where i bought it (mostly interstate travel ) and i noticed some play in the steering, which i know is to be expected on an older truck, but i also noticed when hitting dips or chuck holes on the road it didnt want to handle them real well, it would want to pitch to the left. any theory's or suggestions/advice are greatly appreciated 
Thanks for reading,
Thanks for reading,
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 760
Likes: 0
From: Boise, ID
Radius Arm Question
Blown out R/A bushings would definetely explain your handling issues. They aren't too tough to change yourself and they are relatively inexpensive.
In the case that your R/A brackets are still riveted on, some guys here on the board have used a come along to pull the diff forward until the R/A comes out of it's bracket. If you do this, make sure to chock the wheels and use the e-brake. It would be real easy to pull the truck off jackstands using this method.
If the bushings on the axle are shot then the job is a little more involved but still doable by the average backyard mechanic.
In the case that your R/A brackets are still riveted on, some guys here on the board have used a come along to pull the diff forward until the R/A comes out of it's bracket. If you do this, make sure to chock the wheels and use the e-brake. It would be real easy to pull the truck off jackstands using this method.
If the bushings on the axle are shot then the job is a little more involved but still doable by the average backyard mechanic.
Last edited by 77'F-150Mudder; Jul 24, 2003 at 02:22 PM.
Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: South Bend, Indiana
Radius Arm Question
In the case that your R/A brackets are still rivited your best bet is to get a grinder and grind the rivets off and replace them with grade 8 nuts bolts and lock washers. Makes it alot easier the next time you have to change them. I have to change mine about every 4 months or so do to the amount of offroading I do, course the 38.5" GroundHawgs don't help none either lol.
