I have a 1950 Ford F1 with a 226 Flathead 6 in it. To my knowledge, it has the original engine it it. When I drive it around, all seems fine when I am driving 30 mph or under. However, when I drive in reverse it is really jumpy unless I drive really slow.

But more importantly, when I get over 40 mph I have had a about ten instances where the truck would violently shake, so bad my arms were bouncing while holding the steering wheel. Each time it has happened I have had to pull over because it felt like the entire truck was going to fall apart.

Anyone have an ideas? I am not very mechanically inclined so most of you have forgotten more than I know, but I am willing to learn and try to fix the truck if I can.

I have no idea how serious this issue is, but when I am in the truck and driving over 40 and it starts to violently shake, it feels super serious.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Thbifeb

 

Your front suspension needs to be thoroughly checked out

 

Is the check engine light on? Throwing any codes? Wait. Never mind.

Yeah what Ross said. Check everything, from tires, wheel bearings, tie rods, king pins, shocks and steering linkage.

 

It's very serious. That form of hysteresis can be caused by a loose steering box or stripped/bad Pitman arm.

 

Two things:
Has the fuel line - from tank to carb - been checked? If the line is clogged, you can get a version of the shuttering as described.

What is the condition of the clutch? The tell for me is the issue in reverse. A worn clutch plate will cause chatter.

 

My 54 did that years ago above a certain speed. Turns out my drive shaft was out of balance. I don't know if that theory would hold true for shuddering in reverse at any speed, however.

 

I replaced the gas tank and the fuel line about 2 years ago so I don't think that is the issues.

I will check all the things mentioned.

Right now I just done feel comfortable driving it. It just feels at any moment it could start shaking and I can lose control.

I will have to see if I can get the truck put on a lift and look at the underside and see if I can see anything.

I have no idea if the clutch is bad or not.

If anyone has any other ideas, let me know. Thanks.

 

Maybe you have a broken or loose motor mount? The 226 has two up front and two at the rear on the transmission. The two rear bolt into a rubber damper that bolts to the crossmember. Check and make sure you have not lost any bolts.

Check your u joints also, on both ends of the driveshaft.

JB

 

If the steering wheel is bouncing back and forth, it sounds like "death wobble". Lots on the internet written about death wobble and how people chase it to resolution.
Like mentioned, the entire front end should be examined closely by a competent person, competent on a straight axle front end. Have the shock absorbers been changed recently? Recently or not, check them, some are short lived.
EDit: Tell us more about driving fast in reverse. That may be a separate issue like universal joints.

 

The reason I suggested checking the front end is because of the shaking in reverse. On a vehicle with toe-in, in reverse your have toe-out. Any slop in the tie rod ends will cause some really bad wobbles.

 

My '53 had that same violent shake at about 45. After I replaced the shackle bushings and pins it drives great. I was surprised to see how worn they were & very happy with the outcome.

Grant