Front end check
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 292
Likes: 1
From: Cary, NC
Front end check
Hi Team,
I'm glad to be back. I picked up a CCLB 4x4 on an 8 inch lift. Certainly not perfect but a rust free platform to start with. So first things first. When I asked if it was tow ready I was assured it was. However upon my test drive the brakes were shot, and the steering was loose. Made for a long stressful tow back. So now that It's there safely I have it on jack stands addressing some things. She's getting some new boots put on today, I have front brake pads and will tighten the rear drums to hopefully help her stop. I'm having trouble finding a heavy duty drag link and tie rod. I see some posts listed where you get some GM parts and fabricate it, but I'm looking for something more bolt on. Does that exist for us? I'd imagine with that lift I need some heavier duty parts?
Steering feedback is not existent. you make a wheel correction, and it takes a few seconds for the truck to respond. Ball joints feel tight. There was play in the tie rod and drag link so I was going to start there.
I'm glad to be back. I picked up a CCLB 4x4 on an 8 inch lift. Certainly not perfect but a rust free platform to start with. So first things first. When I asked if it was tow ready I was assured it was. However upon my test drive the brakes were shot, and the steering was loose. Made for a long stressful tow back. So now that It's there safely I have it on jack stands addressing some things. She's getting some new boots put on today, I have front brake pads and will tighten the rear drums to hopefully help her stop. I'm having trouble finding a heavy duty drag link and tie rod. I see some posts listed where you get some GM parts and fabricate it, but I'm looking for something more bolt on. Does that exist for us? I'd imagine with that lift I need some heavier duty parts?
Steering feedback is not existent. you make a wheel correction, and it takes a few seconds for the truck to respond. Ball joints feel tight. There was play in the tie rod and drag link so I was going to start there.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,210
Likes: 1,341
From: Bahstun
the front end does get light when towing a heavy tongue weight
possible it wasn't aligned and the fiber joint is shot too
I replaced all tie rods from autozone for their life time warranty and to me replacing them is easy enough. I tow a 7500 5th wheel and an old 1980 24foot goose neck trailer. When I moved this weekend with all of my girl fiends stuff packed up the front was lighter and looser feeling than it has even been. Wish I knew what weight it was for a reference. but it was packed tight. didn't even get stuck in 2wd in 4 in of snow in neighbors lawn with all that weight.
the Chevy mod looks nice but I didn't have access to a welder when I did mine.
"Y" Link Steering using GM 1 Ton TRE - RuffStuff Specialties
isn't that much more than autozone if you have a welder and you could put on over knuckle to remove some angle from steering box.
I also did a drop pitman arm which helped with tie rod nodding up n down with less force
possible it wasn't aligned and the fiber joint is shot too
I replaced all tie rods from autozone for their life time warranty and to me replacing them is easy enough. I tow a 7500 5th wheel and an old 1980 24foot goose neck trailer. When I moved this weekend with all of my girl fiends stuff packed up the front was lighter and looser feeling than it has even been. Wish I knew what weight it was for a reference. but it was packed tight. didn't even get stuck in 2wd in 4 in of snow in neighbors lawn with all that weight.
the Chevy mod looks nice but I didn't have access to a welder when I did mine.
"Y" Link Steering using GM 1 Ton TRE - RuffStuff Specialties
isn't that much more than autozone if you have a welder and you could put on over knuckle to remove some angle from steering box.
I also did a drop pitman arm which helped with tie rod nodding up n down with less force
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: NV side of Tahoe
I replaced all my tie rods, ends, sleeves, and drag link a few months ago with XRF parts. I also have a 3" drop pitman arm to go with my ~3" of lift from my PMF RSK.
With an 8" lift your steering geometry is way out of wack. General rule of thumb is do drop your pitman arm the same amount that you lift your truck up.
With an 8" lift your steering geometry is way out of wack. General rule of thumb is do drop your pitman arm the same amount that you lift your truck up.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 292
Likes: 1
From: Cary, NC
the front end does get light when towing a heavy tongue weight
possible it wasn't aligned and the fiber joint is shot too
I replaced all tie rods from autozone for their life time warranty and to me replacing them is easy enough. I tow a 7500 5th wheel and an old 1980 24foot goose neck trailer. When I moved this weekend with all of my girl fiends stuff packed up the front was lighter and looser feeling than it has even been. Wish I knew what weight it was for a reference. but it was packed tight. didn't even get stuck in 2wd in 4 in of snow in neighbors lawn with all that weight.
the Chevy mod looks nice but I didn't have access to a welder when I did mine.
"Y" Link Steering using GM 1 Ton TRE - RuffStuff Specialties
isn't that much more than autozone if you have a welder and you could put on over knuckle to remove some angle from steering box.
I also did a drop pitman arm which helped with tie rod nodding up n down with less force
possible it wasn't aligned and the fiber joint is shot too
I replaced all tie rods from autozone for their life time warranty and to me replacing them is easy enough. I tow a 7500 5th wheel and an old 1980 24foot goose neck trailer. When I moved this weekend with all of my girl fiends stuff packed up the front was lighter and looser feeling than it has even been. Wish I knew what weight it was for a reference. but it was packed tight. didn't even get stuck in 2wd in 4 in of snow in neighbors lawn with all that weight.
the Chevy mod looks nice but I didn't have access to a welder when I did mine.
"Y" Link Steering using GM 1 Ton TRE - RuffStuff Specialties
isn't that much more than autozone if you have a welder and you could put on over knuckle to remove some angle from steering box.
I also did a drop pitman arm which helped with tie rod nodding up n down with less force
More Turbo
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 542
Likes: 1
From: New Milford, CT
Let me know if you have any questions.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-97-obs-3.html
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
1995F150XLT4x4
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Aug 19, 2015 08:04 AM
nugent_crai
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
2
Jun 25, 2008 02:06 AM
browntown3
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
5
Apr 1, 2008 12:36 PM
f350ford17
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
2
Jan 20, 2008 08:54 AM
