Unstability/Swerving While Cruising
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Alberta
Unstability/Swerving While Cruising
I have a 1977 F150 SuperCab Longbed RWD Auto with 103k miles, and recently it has been really unstable and unpredictible while driving.
You mostly notice it when going above 55mph, if the passenger front side hits a bump/hole in the road that the driver side doesn't, the truck will swerve to the right hard and alignment of the truck will change. By alignment of the truck will change, I mean before you hit the bump you will be holding the steering wheel pretty close to straight to keep the truck straight, then after the bump the steering wheel will be more turned right to keep the truck straight, then after a few minutes it will straighten out again.
I am thinking that this is a tie rod, spring/shock issue or a kingpin issue, any other help will be greatly appreciated!
You mostly notice it when going above 55mph, if the passenger front side hits a bump/hole in the road that the driver side doesn't, the truck will swerve to the right hard and alignment of the truck will change. By alignment of the truck will change, I mean before you hit the bump you will be holding the steering wheel pretty close to straight to keep the truck straight, then after the bump the steering wheel will be more turned right to keep the truck straight, then after a few minutes it will straighten out again.
I am thinking that this is a tie rod, spring/shock issue or a kingpin issue, any other help will be greatly appreciated!
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,584
Likes: 1,168
From: San Jose, CA
I’m thinking it’s an all of the above thing.
Or at least a variation thereof.
It sounds like something has gone past the worn out stage and is near failing, if it hasn’t filled already. I would definitely get under there and start testing everything from the steering shaft, it’s couplers, to the gearbox, to the Pitman Arm and steering linkages.
Then get down further and check radius arm bushings, wheel, bearings, and then your tires.
How old are the tires? Not mileage or treadwear, but actual age?
If you’re not sure look for a date code on the sidewall.
Tires do age out. Tire companies won’t even touch them after seven years. Even though most tires are not completely dead by seven years, by 10 they often exhibit strange behavior, such as separating belts and bulges in the sidewall.
At the very least check your air pressures.
Lots of things can bring this on, but when it gets to the point of pulling hard and keeping the steering wheel off-center, it’s time to stop driving it and find the problem.
Oh I forgot to mention king pins also. I think yours should still have a king pins if I’m not mistaken.
Or at least a variation thereof.
It sounds like something has gone past the worn out stage and is near failing, if it hasn’t filled already. I would definitely get under there and start testing everything from the steering shaft, it’s couplers, to the gearbox, to the Pitman Arm and steering linkages.
Then get down further and check radius arm bushings, wheel, bearings, and then your tires.
How old are the tires? Not mileage or treadwear, but actual age?
If you’re not sure look for a date code on the sidewall.
Tires do age out. Tire companies won’t even touch them after seven years. Even though most tires are not completely dead by seven years, by 10 they often exhibit strange behavior, such as separating belts and bulges in the sidewall.
At the very least check your air pressures.
Lots of things can bring this on, but when it gets to the point of pulling hard and keeping the steering wheel off-center, it’s time to stop driving it and find the problem.
Oh I forgot to mention king pins also. I think yours should still have a king pins if I’m not mistaken.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 332
From: Arlington,Wa
X2 on what wyrm73 said....check that steering coupler! The one on my 76 was broke in half which produced so much slop. I didn't know it was broke until I noticed that it was cracked when I was working on the master cylinder and booster. With the new one installed, it made a huge difference.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,150
Likes: 5,785
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
X3 on insp ALL steering components involved/mentioned and covered by the earlier posts. Tie rod ends, kingpins, steering shaft flex (RAG) joint, shocks, tires ect.. I bet the steering box is internally shot too. A SC LB is a lot of truck to stay straight after a 55MPH one tire hit anyway.
Get all that worn out stuff inspected and replaced, then get a old school shop to do a front end alignment, and be happy.
Get all that worn out stuff inspected and replaced, then get a old school shop to do a front end alignment, and be happy.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 855
Likes: 56
From: Des Moines, Washington
I’m pretty sure I found most or all of the bolts that hold the box to the frame rather loose. And there may be something about using tubing to prevent the frame from distorting when tightening the bolts. Or might that have been on the ‘76 450SEL? Sucks getting old…
Michael
Michael
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Alberta
Thanks for all the replies, really appreciate it.
To answer the first question, the tires on the truck are brand new, I bought them brand new in the middle of November.
I am planning on purchasing new, kingpin set with the metal bushings, new steering coupler, new inner/outer tie rods as well as the appropriate front end polyurethane bushings, and having it all installed and aligned at once.
To answer the first question, the tires on the truck are brand new, I bought them brand new in the middle of November.
I am planning on purchasing new, kingpin set with the metal bushings, new steering coupler, new inner/outer tie rods as well as the appropriate front end polyurethane bushings, and having it all installed and aligned at once.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,584
Likes: 1,168
From: San Jose, CA
And yes, tubing reinforcements are common even in C-channel sometimes. But in boxed sections at least, Ford commonly used tubing tack-welded to the inside of the box.
Often thin-walled, and not welded very well (can knock them out with a hammer and screwdriver pretty easily on the Broncos), they're a big benefit still.
Not sure about the 450SEL of course, but them Germans usually know how to reinforce stuff!
Paul
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