98 F250 front end issues
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98 F250 front end issues
Im not sure if I am posting in the right forum. I couldn't find one for my 98. I recently purchased an old farm truck 1998 F250 4x4 with a flatbed. Got it cheap and it runs pretty good. Hadn't really taken it out on the hwy until this morning. My problem is as im at highway speeds 55+ when I hit a dip/bump in the road the truck bounces and kinda "walks" the road. I am leaning towards shocks but what else do I need to look at. I definitely need new tires which should be coming today or tomorrow.
Thank you in advance
Thank you in advance
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 43
From: Land of Taxes
Step one in proper troubleshooting is to look at all the wear parts up front. Don't simply toss new parts at it until the problem goes away. Waste of time and money...Inspect all steering linkage items, ball joints, all bushings, all U joints, outer front wheel bearings, tire balance etc...Chances are it may need shocks. But why spend money on shocks only to over stress the new parts because something else up front is worn out. Take it to a reputable shop for an inspection if you don't feel comfortable diagnosing it yourself. It's a safety thing and it will ensure proper tire wear. Inspection/estimating is usually free. The shop should be well versed in medium to heavy duty Ford truck chassis.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,472
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From: Southern Cal
What sounds like an older truck that "bounces" down the road after hitting bumps, sounds like the first thing that typically wears out on the front end...shocks. If you bounce the truck, it should come right up and stop, not continue to bounce when the shocks are bad.
Not too expensive nor tough to replace and a real safety issue.
Next, get a larger farm style pry bar, lift each front wheel off of the ground and wedge in next to the ball joints to measure up and down movement. It will become easily apparent if they need replacing. Usually replace both top and bottom together if either are bad.
IMO, neither of these tasks can't be inspected yourself. Ball joints are far more involved to change yourself.
Not too expensive nor tough to replace and a real safety issue.
Next, get a larger farm style pry bar, lift each front wheel off of the ground and wedge in next to the ball joints to measure up and down movement. It will become easily apparent if they need replacing. Usually replace both top and bottom together if either are bad.
IMO, neither of these tasks can't be inspected yourself. Ball joints are far more involved to change yourself.
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