Getting Sloppy
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Getting Sloppy
I have a completely stock 98 F-150 SuperCab 2WD 4.6L. It had 20k miles when I got it. Now it has almost 90k. Driving it way too much, but that's a different story.
Over the past 6 months or so, the front end seems to be getting worse and worse. I'm getting a lot of sideways movement on the freeways, and I seem to feel every bump in the road now. The front end seems to want to dive into the bumps instead of rolling over the top of them like it once did. It feels like there is a very slight bind in the steering, and the bumps take it left to right. The rear end seems to sag into the bumps now, too, and it's squeaking alot.
So far I've replaced the tires, rotors, pads, wheel bearings, and shocks. I first put Gabriel Gas Shocks on it, but decided the ride was too stiff for my long drives. So now I have Sensotracs.
At this point I'm willing to go nuts, and replace every joint, spring, and bushing in both the front and the back. I've got the tools and the will, but not much time and only a little money for this project.
I'm looking for a little advise and direction before I dive into this thing. Short of tearing it all down to the frame, where do you think I should start. Should I replace the sagging coil springs and leaves? Ball Joints, upper, lower? Tie Rods? Add a dampner?
Since I plan on digging into it, I thought I would level the front up a couple of inches as well. Seems like it would improve the ride a bit.
I also read in the Haynes manual that the ball joints "are an intregal part of the control arms and need to be replaced together". Does anybody know this to be the case? The control arms would probably be beyond the budget.
The last question: What is a good brand and source for the parts. (Skyjacker doesn't have coils and leaves for the 98 according to their website.)
Thanks All!
Over the past 6 months or so, the front end seems to be getting worse and worse. I'm getting a lot of sideways movement on the freeways, and I seem to feel every bump in the road now. The front end seems to want to dive into the bumps instead of rolling over the top of them like it once did. It feels like there is a very slight bind in the steering, and the bumps take it left to right. The rear end seems to sag into the bumps now, too, and it's squeaking alot.
So far I've replaced the tires, rotors, pads, wheel bearings, and shocks. I first put Gabriel Gas Shocks on it, but decided the ride was too stiff for my long drives. So now I have Sensotracs.
At this point I'm willing to go nuts, and replace every joint, spring, and bushing in both the front and the back. I've got the tools and the will, but not much time and only a little money for this project.
I'm looking for a little advise and direction before I dive into this thing. Short of tearing it all down to the frame, where do you think I should start. Should I replace the sagging coil springs and leaves? Ball Joints, upper, lower? Tie Rods? Add a dampner?
Since I plan on digging into it, I thought I would level the front up a couple of inches as well. Seems like it would improve the ride a bit.
I also read in the Haynes manual that the ball joints "are an intregal part of the control arms and need to be replaced together". Does anybody know this to be the case? The control arms would probably be beyond the budget.
The last question: What is a good brand and source for the parts. (Skyjacker doesn't have coils and leaves for the 98 according to their website.)
Thanks All!
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 0
From: Chatsworth, CA
I would rebuild the front end with new ball joints. You shouldn't have to replace the control arms though. If your looking into lifting it I would look into Fabtech. They make real good 2wd stuff. Some of there kits do come with new tube style control arms. Real beefy stuff for the 2wd. Skyjacker is more for 4wd.
