Hello, I have 1997 ford e350. been told it needs rotors and ball joints...it seems to ride ok for about 10 minutes,then I get a shaking in the steering.Just had all new tires put on, was about to buy parts,but seems to me there is more to look into .the truck itself sat for 2 years before I bought it. any clues ??

 

What exactly are you asking here? There's no way to help without you being more clear or stating what info you're looking for.

 

Hey JWA, you mean your Kreskin skills are slipping?

My crystal ball says he just bought this off Craigslist, the owner had hit a curb, and the rims are bent...and the dashboard shakes like crazy...Now the radio wont play.

Check the tailight fuses.

 

Seems to me you need to take it to a shop that specializes in front ends and have them give you a comprehensive analysis. The shaking after 10 minutes drive is probably the rotors getting hot after driving for awhile. If you know the rotors and ball joints are bad,you probably need other parts also; especially after sitting for 2 years.

 

Well ya got me there---Merlin stole his magical thinking cap back so I've had to resort to reading things on a page.

 

Look underneath at the steering. Is there a steering stabilizer (like a shock absorber) bolted to the steering crossarm?

Look at the ball ends on the steering arms. Do they look okay, or is there one (or more) that are damaged, loose or leaking oil/grease?

Jack up each front wheel, and once off the ground, put your hands at the top of the tire, pull and push, then do the same thing with your hands at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions. A TINY, barely-detectable bit of play is acceptable. If you can make it "clunk," it needs bearings and shouldn't be driven except to get it to the shop. If it's seriously LOOSE or you can pull it in and out, have it towed there!