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Scary suspension thing

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Old Jun 5, 2025 | 06:58 AM
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Scary suspension thing

I'm driving going about 45 and the front tire (left or right not sure) starts to act like im.going of a row of bumps it gets more intense and violent until the entire front end starts shaking badly. I slowed down then took off again and went away. What could have caused this?
 
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Old Jun 5, 2025 | 07:47 AM
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Looks like you got a bad case of death wobble. Worn shocks, ball joints, tie rods, bushings, etc. are common causes. Also look for out of round/slipped belt tires to exacerbate the problem.
 
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Old Jun 5, 2025 | 09:46 AM
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You forgot to mention that every time you drive it the steering is sloppy.

Classic sign that you got worn suspension parts. My guess is that everything is worn out. Replace everything and it will be fixed. I rarely say everything but with your old truck, I can only imagine that there are parts that should have been replaced years ago.

Don't forget the steering box, the pitman shaft gear can also wear out.
 
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Old Jun 5, 2025 | 10:04 AM
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Originally Posted by 1Butcher
You forgot to mention that every time you drive it the steering is sloppy.

Classic sign that you got worn suspension parts. My guess is that everything is worn out. Replace everything and it will be fixed. I rarely say everything but with your old truck, I can only imagine that there are parts that should have been replaced years ago.

Don't forget the steering box, the pitman shaft gear can also wear out.
what's everything?
 
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Old Jun 5, 2025 | 10:21 AM
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From the steering box to the wheel bearings.

If you are not the person doing the work, send it to someone who can, with a good reputation. Expect them to tell you that your 30 year old truck has everything worn out. It's your truck and money. You do what is best. As a shop owner, I will do what is right because I don't put my name on half a$$ repairs. I do not need money to put my name on jobs like that. I totally understand, not everyone has the money to to everything.

Of course, there may have been parts replaced recently that are not worn out.
 
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Old Jun 5, 2025 | 10:44 AM
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Originally Posted by steelholder
what's everything?
So, you kind of sort of have 2 different issues. 1 Sloppy steering and 2 death wobble. They can be cause by the same thing, but each can also have different causes.
Me, I would start with jacking it up, getting in stands and checking the condition of the components. Chances are like mentioned you will need to replace a lot of items.
Grab a wheel and wiggle it is there play, Yes bearings, ball joints and tie rod ends likely - can cause both issues.
What is the condition of the tires, as mentioned above.
Just start looking around, bet you find a lot of the parts are worn out.
If your interested, I have a complete list of the TRE, Ball Joint and all suspension bushings Part numbers for a 93 f150 4x4 from XRF, I have the parts in hand, and they seem to be pretty damn nice quality.
 
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Old Jun 5, 2025 | 10:45 AM
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Have a look at American under car, you can pick up complete XRF kits, steering and ball joints. Have a look at blue top or redhead steering gear box. Pitman arm is probably ok, unusual for those to wear out, but it could be. Pivot bushings, radius arm bushings, wheel bearings. If 4wd, I’d have a good look over the whole thing, Ujoints, spindle bearings. I’d also have a good look over the radius arm and pivot point mounts as well, make sure they have not come loose or mounting bolt holes wallowed out. I’d also have a good look at the steering column, make sure it’s not worn out.

A little bit of wear on everything adds up. Death wobble isn’t fun, good sign everything is getting worn out imo.

Looks like 2wd in your picture, but im not sure what your truck is, 2wd or 4wd?
 
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Old Jun 5, 2025 | 10:50 AM
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Originally Posted by JJF20
Have a look at American under car, you can pick up complete XRF kits, steering and ball joints. Have a look at blue top or redhead steering gear box. Pitman arm is probably ok, unusual for those to wear out, but it could be. Pivot bushings, radius arm bushings, wheel bearings. If 4wd, I’d have a good look over the whole thing, Ujoints, spindle bearings. I’d also have a good look over the radius arm and pivot point mounts as well, make sure they have not come loose or mounting bolt holes wallowed out. I’d also have a good look at the steering column, make sure it’s not worn out.

A little bit of wear on everything adds up. Death wobble isn’t fun, good sign everything is getting worn out imo.

Looks like 2wd in your picture, but im not sure what your truck is, 2wd or 4wd?
thanks it's a 2wd
 
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Old Jun 5, 2025 | 10:55 AM
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Originally Posted by steelholder
thanks it's a 2wd
Still applies, XRF is really good stuff, and as JJF20 says, American under car is the place to get them. Not real cheap, but damn good quality. Life time warranty.

The procedures are the same either 2x4 or 4x4
 
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Old Jun 5, 2025 | 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by 1Butcher
You forgot to mention that every time you drive it the steering is sloppy.

Classic sign that you got worn suspension parts. My guess is that everything is worn out. Replace everything and it will be fixed. I rarely say everything but with your old truck, I can only imagine that there are parts that should have been replaced years ago.

Don't forget the steering box, the pitman shaft gear can also wear out.
I wouldn’t assume everything is worn out. True…If everything is replaced then it (wobble) won’t happen.

Originally Posted by 1Butcher
From the steering box to the wheel bearings.

Of course, there may have been parts replaced recently that are not worn out.
See… you disagreed with yourself that everything needs to be replaced.

Originally Posted by sswari
So, you kind of sort of have 2 different issues. 1 Sloppy steering and 2 death wobble. They can be cause by the same thing, but each can also have different causes.
Me, I would start with jacking it up, getting in stands and checking the condition of the components. Chances are like mentioned you will need to replace a lot of items.
Grab a wheel and wiggle it is there play, Yes bearings, ball joints and tie rod ends likely - can cause both issues.
What is the condition of the tires, as mentioned above.
Just start looking around, bet you find a lot of the parts are worn out.
If your interested, I have a complete list of the TRE, Ball Joint and all suspension bushings Part numbers for a 93 f150 4x4 from XRF, I have the parts in hand, and they seem to be pretty damn nice quality.
I have never had that happen in any of my cars or trucks. The two things are linked together and not separate issues. Worn or damaged parts are the cause of the wobble. You don’t get that from good parts. Inspection is the only way to figure out what needs to be replaced, rebuilt or freshened up.
 
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Old Jun 5, 2025 | 07:50 PM
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As mentioned, get the front end up in the air and start checking for worn parts. Replace parts and keep trucking.
 
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Old Jun 5, 2025 | 07:56 PM
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30 year old trucks are worn out. Unless the parts have been recently replaced/serviced, assume what you want. I prefer to assume the worse and have ample amount of time/money when it comes to the repair. If indeed it's better than expected, you can buy more beer and spend even more time with good friends.
 
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Old Jun 6, 2025 | 06:09 AM
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Originally Posted by JJF20
Have a look at American under car, you can pick up complete XRF kits, steering and ball joints. Have a look at blue top or redhead steering gear box.

Originally Posted by sswari
Still applies, XRF is really good stuff, and as JJF20 says, American under car is the place to get them. Not real cheap, but damn good quality. Life time warranty.

The procedures are the same either 2x4 or 4x4


Thanks for these tips. Been looking to replace my steering setup with some quality stuff and this looks to be the ticket.
 
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Old Jun 6, 2025 | 08:24 AM
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Check the outer u joints in the 4x4 front axle for binding up
Aside from loose parts
That is the main cause of the death wobble
 
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Old Jun 6, 2025 | 08:25 AM
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Originally Posted by manicmechanic007
Check the outer u joints in the 4x4 front axle for binding up
Aside from loose parts
That is the main cause of the death wobble
mines a 2wd
 
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