Front wheels spread out when backing up.
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From: Rosebud
Front wheels spread out when backing up.
They either spread out at the bottom or in at the top but it is very noticable.Is this normal or is something wore out?Ihave jacked it up and checked the ball joints and they seem fine.:
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From: Rosebud
The top leans in just like if the ball joints were about to go.I forgot to mention this is a 95 XLT reg cab 2wd.When i back up in a parking space,and look at the truck from the front it is very noticable,if i pull up a few feet they straighten up.
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From: Homer, Alaska
It most certainly is not normal. Something is loose in the steering or suspension. Check the tie rod ends, all the clamps and bolts, wheel bearings, and ball joints again. I would suggest not driving it until you find out why it is doing that!
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Yes they will do this on a 2 wheel drive. Do check out the front end however, but on a 2 wheel when backing they do tend to lean the top of the tire in and sag. I work on them most every day.
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From: Homer, Alaska
Originally posted by ranger88a
Yes they will do this on a 2 wheel drive. Do check out the front end however, but on a 2 wheel when backing they do tend to lean the top of the tire in and sag. I work on them most every day.
Yes they will do this on a 2 wheel drive. Do check out the front end however, but on a 2 wheel when backing they do tend to lean the top of the tire in and sag. I work on them most every day.
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It has to do with the twin I beam suspention, when backing up, usually we turn putting pressure on the front I beams. It's hard to imagine, but they sag slightly and the wheels appear at an angle. The moment you go forward they straighten up. I have seen it many many times F250 2 wheels do it also. I've been doing it for 22 years.
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From: Rosebud
Thanks Ranger88a,now im not so worried,the only thing I could find under the truck was about 1/8 in. play (front to back)in the radius arm bushings.Do I have to remove the springs to replace these like the book says or can I trick them in by supporting the spindle on a floor jack and sliding it fowards then back?
Post Fiend
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From: Eastern WA
Do a search in the Explorer Forum on this. I read about a month ago in there that a guy removed the link on the stabilizer bar end and was able to move the axle/radial arm combo forward enough to do the bushing replacement. Other people had posted their improved methods too.
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This is caused by "ackerman". All vehicles have it. It is a measurement from a spot on the front spindles to the center of the rear-end. Where those two line cross, you either have positive, negative, or "0" ackerman. That is what causes you tires to look weird when backing up.
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From: British Columbia
Every IFS ford 4wd I've ever had did this. I would never back into parking spots cause it looked so bad. Big tires and worn ball joints definately exagerate it. Maybe your toe in is too much as well?
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007BRONCO
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