Wicked bump steer.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
Wicked bump steer.
2016 F150 XLT Sport 4X4 5.0L.
I bought this truck last December and against my better judgement, bought it already modified. It had on it when I bought it an MBRP exhaust, leveling kit and larger than stock wheels and tires. 9X18" Fuel wheels with Nitto Ridge Grapplers size 195/70 R18. The rest of the truck is stock. Looks great and sounds even better.
The problem I have is terrible bump steer when I hit a decent size bump or pothole. I'm not talking about the death wobble, just hard sharp pull to either side of the road when I hit a bump at speeds above 40 or so. It's coming from the front end of the truck and I can feel it pulling on the steering wheel. It about put me in a ditch today.
What's causing this? My 02 FX4 never had bump steer like this execpt for a few occasions when I could feel the rear end hop around a little.
I haven't been under the truck to check out any of the components down there and I couldn't get a hold of the previous owner to find out if any other mods were done.(Which is why I don't like to buy stuff other people have tinkered with, but I just got too good of a deal on it.)
Is it the tire size? Maybe the shocks vs. the leveling kit? Electric steering issue? Sway bar? Any suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,470
Likes: 108
From: Staten Island, NY
There's always the possibility of a tire problem but usually a bump steer problem is caused by incorrect toe and/or camber. Lots of times guys lift a truck but don't spend the money on an alignment. Tem minutes at an alignment shop will tell you.
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,237
Likes: 1,248
From: San Antonio, TX
Could also be loose or missing bolts on the front end componets. No telling who did the work.
BTW, I have a leveling kit on mine and same size tires on stock aluminum wheels. No issues whatsoever.
BTW, I have a leveling kit on mine and same size tires on stock aluminum wheels. No issues whatsoever.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
Got the tires rotated yesterday because the drivers side steer looked a bit more worn on the o/s shoulder than the rest. Perhaps it is a camber problem. I'll take it to the alignment shop in a couple of days.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 83
From: N. Texas
Wow! I have to agree with Beachums in another thread. This place seems to be getting rather hostile. The guy asked about a suspension problem. Why beat him up with a " you shouldn't have bought that truck" kind of reply?
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Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,530
Likes: 2,833
Hold on--look at the original post. OP says he bought this "....against my better judgement....". Shortride is merely agreeing, not bashing IMO. OP has good info to work with and will restore stability worthy of a Bonneville run soon.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
It wasn't necessarily too good to be true, it just had all the options I wanted. 5.0L, 301A, 36 gallon tank, and most importantly, the console shifter. I typically don't buy new because of the cost. But don't worry. Imma get her back to her original glory soon.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
It does... I saw another post related to the shocks and have been looking into that upgrade. Would like to get the Fox, but my wallet wants the Billstiens. Thoughts?
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,890
Likes: 360
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
You know, putting in a lift kit and/or just replacing the shocks is not a simple bolt-on operation for the front end. It's very possible that something was bent or installed incorrectly when they did the lift on the truck. For sure have someone competent look at the alignment and general condition of the front end components.
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