I only have 25,600 miles on my '07 but I'm pretty sure I need front shocks, so I just ordered the whole assemblies for easy installation. What's happening is going down the interstate and hitting a bump, the truck just about loses directional stability. Paying attention and deliberately running over manholes, etc, it definitely is in the front. The front wheels are bouncing which is exactly what the shocks are supposed to control. I already put rear shocks on last year. I guess shocks can go bad from time as well as miles because the rear ones were really shot.
Other truck-related news; my sister-in-law is executor of the estate of a friend of hers who passed recently. The friend had let her son drive her F150. It broke down on him at the home center and he just left it there without notifying anyone. The S-I-L just found out about and told us, so I went over there today and found it still there. Supposedly has charging issues. I plan to get the keys and see if I can start it. First thing I'll do is check fluids, then check battery terminals for corrosion. Then I'll see if it starts. If battery is dead, I have a portable jump battery. I'm not above putting in a new battery which would be cheaper than towing and would get me to the shop or home. I hope to be able to drive it off that lot but if that doesn't happen we will simply have it picked up and taken to the shop for evaluation. I don't know the year yet, probably an '02 or '03 2WD V8 Auto, 6.5' bed and body is excellent. I'm toying with the idea of buying it myself if the engine and trans are good but I can see easily putting $5K into it and I don't need another project on my back at this time.

 

Got my new struts yesterday - man, them suckers are heavy! I'll get them on next week.

I got over to inspect the abandoned truck and was not able to get it to crank. The battery is stone dead. I have one of those portable emergency jumper devices but it didn't work - I think the battery is shorted inside. But, pretty good news on everything else - it has oil and coolant and there has been no monkeying around under the hood. Since the estate is paying for it they're going to have it towed to the nearby Ford dealer for evaluation. I think it probably needs an alternator and a battery at the minimum.
Its actually for the best that I didn't get it running - the license plate is expired along with the state inspection. The point in getting it running was to drive it somewhere so they didn't have to pay for a tow. Now let's see how that could have played out - I get stopped for the plates and inspection sticker, and I don't have the registration. In fact, I don't even know the dead woman's last name. Does that sound like a short vacation in the 'Greystone College'?

Forgot to mention, it's a 4.6L 'Triton'.

 

Most states allow you to get a temporary "plate" for maintenance of vehicles. Just a though in case you or other members are ever in a similar situation.

 

Yes, but its still going to need a valid inspection sticker before going on the street.
No sweat, the executor of the estate is going to see to all that while the truck is at the dealer's shop. Then presumably somebody will drive it somewhere to stay until its decided what to do with it. I'm still thinking about getting it but have put off the decision until they get it on the road and I can bring it over here and look it over real close plus drive it on the highway and see what's up with it. Actually, when I got back in my truck and left after working on it some, I suddenly liked my truck again. I might like it even more if the new struts make the difference I think they will. Then I can forget about saving this truck and just spend that time and money on the one I already have.

 

Finally got the struts on today, and they make a big difference - there's no doubt they were needed. I haven't driven it enough to know if new struts is the total answer to the shaking and 'walking' on bumps but the front end definitely feels more solid. It now has new shocks on both ends. I know that putting some weight in the bed would settle it down but since it wasn't an issue for the first ten years, I know something has changed and that's what I want to get to.
As for the other truck, they towed it in and it needed an alternator and a battery plus a wheel bearing, along with a few minor things. It now has a new state safety inspection sticker and the new license plates are on the way. I'm interested in driving it to see really what condition its in and what might it might be needing in the near future.

 

you might check for a loose ball joint or tie rod end... That might make it wobble around when you hit a bump. Eventually that will show up in abnormal tire wear.

 

Front end is in perfect condition - had it checked out when they installed the struts. Don't forget, 26,700 miles. And, its not THAT kind of 'shake' - has nothing to do with 'shimmy'. Even at slow speed it will tremble when hitting a bump. The truck has had violent 'axle wrap'/wheel hop when a rear wheel spins, like on a wet road, and I'm starting to think the 'shake' is related to something that happened because of the wheel hop. Its like 'bed shake' if that helps to visualize it. Btw, tires are pretty new BFG Long Trail and are kept between 35 and 38. 38 is the cold pressure on the sticker.
I'm going to drive it probably about 100 miles tomorrow running errands so I'll see for sure how much better it is.
I had the idea of mounting a 'Go-Pro' camera under it and make runs with the camera at different places to see what the heck is going on. Unfortunately I'll have to find somebody who has one and knows how to use it.

 

At this point I have to say the new struts went a long way toward correcting the truck, and I had no idea how 'shot' the originals were. Still getting some 'bed shake' in the rear even with the new rear shocks so my next move is to get under the truck and start checking for loose nuts and bolts. However, the 'walking' on bumps at road speed is practically eliminated and the general 'trembling' on bumps is half of what it was. Its fun to drive again.

 

BTW, the complete strut assemblies I got are 'Detroit Axle', on Amazon for about $140/pair. They are actually easy to put in - all you need are the wrenches, a jack and jack stands. No spring compressor needed when you replace the whole thing, and chances are your springs are worn out too. Either way, considering the time and trouble to keep the old springs, you're really way ahead just to do the complete 'quick-strut'. No alignment needed either.