Front end problems
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Batavia
Front end problems
I have a two wheel drive 73 F 100 with a 360 and auto trans. the problem is it shakes at 55 to about 70 mph. I have checked wheels , they are round, had the tires balance, replaced the rotors and wheel bearings, and have had the front end aligned. I have noticed that the frond wheels are tilted in from top to bottom, about 3/8 inch. Both sides are about the same. A Ford dealer told me that he didn't want to bend the I Beams if the truck drove OK. Is the tilt of the wheels too much or about normal? Should I have the dealer bend the I Beams?
Thanks for any info.
Thanks for any info.
all alone in the world
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,038
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From: oklahoma
sometimes the wheels look like they are in at the top because of the fender shape. i would replace the springs before i bent anything. have you checked the rear tires and axels? they will cause the truck to shake also.
jim
jim
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Tyrone GA
Yes, change the springs and shocks first. I just went through this whole ordeal with my truck. Completley re-built the front end. The springs and shocks made the biggest difference. They're both really easy to do also. If that doesnt solve your problem, then we're talking kingpins. If those are worn, they will also cause the shake. I know you said that you got your tires balanced, but are they old? If so, they could have moisture in them, changing your balane as they drive. Might wanna drain the old air and put some fresh air in it. Let us know how you make out.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Batavia
I have replaced the springs and shocks, as a matter of fact the whole truck has been rebuilt. The tires are out at the top of the tires, may be I have gotten hold of the wrong springs. Are there different springs for the front other than for a V8 or six?
I tried the front and rear tires for bent wheels and bad tires, all four look good, less than 1/8 run out in any of them.
I tried the front and rear tires for bent wheels and bad tires, all four look good, less than 1/8 run out in any of them.
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
It's twin I-beam, right? Are the king-pin bushings (and shaft) good and tight?
That little lean at the tires is an indication of this.
Think of a gyroscope you may have had as a kid. Wind it up with string, spin the darn thing the fastest you could, and it would sit straight up on a flat surface - pushing it a little way either way, and it "gyroscopes" ...
What you describe sounds like loose king-pins and it's gyroscoping at a certain frequency, based on how fast you're going.
Had this happen in a few medium-duty trucks and a few E-series vans I've worked on, just wondering if this applies to the twin I-beam...
That little lean at the tires is an indication of this.
Think of a gyroscope you may have had as a kid. Wind it up with string, spin the darn thing the fastest you could, and it would sit straight up on a flat surface - pushing it a little way either way, and it "gyroscopes" ...
What you describe sounds like loose king-pins and it's gyroscoping at a certain frequency, based on how fast you're going.
Had this happen in a few medium-duty trucks and a few E-series vans I've worked on, just wondering if this applies to the twin I-beam...
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Freshman User
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From: Batavia
I have push and pulled on the top of the tires, and didn't notice any slop in king pins. Is there a better way to check the king pins.
Yes , it is a twin I beam truck.
I did take it to a shop for aligment and they didn't say anything about loose king pins.
Thanks for the replys.
Yes , it is a twin I beam truck.
I did take it to a shop for aligment and they didn't say anything about loose king pins.
Thanks for the replys.
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From: Tyrone GA
I wonder, if the truck has been completeley rebuilt, why are you still having the problem? What specifically has been rebuilt on the front end? I think you just have some bad shocks/springs. And no, there isnt any different springs other than the 6 or 8 cyl ones. The only difference is between models , 150 springs, 250 springs, and so on.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
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I'm wondering if the camber was adjusted on the truck while it had sagging springs. If the springs had sagged, the top of the tire would tilt in. If the camber was then adjusted (i beam bent) It would tilt the tire back out to make it more vertical. Then if you put non-sagging springs on the truck it would lift the front of the truck and cause the tire to tilt out at the top. Perhaps you do need to get the beam rebent. Just make sure everything else is in good shape. Did you replace the i-beam pivot bushing?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Dracut, Massachusetts
where do you feel the shaking? in the steering wheele? or in the seat under your butt? or both? all of these positions, could mean a different thing. have you checked the rear end at all? or what about the u-joints?
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: SD
Originally Posted by Alphy's
the problem is it shakes at 55 to about 70 mph.
Can you get ahold of some wheels and tires to swap on for a test drive.
I had this type vib and had my tires balanced with no help. Even the tire shop overlooked the bad tire - never found it until I borrowed some wheels/tires for a test drive, then no vib...
Marty
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From: Batavia
I have replaced the back wheel bearings, rebuilt the third member, had drive shaft balanced, replace carrier bearing, installed new rotors, bearings and pads on the front. I have noticed that when I am running with a passanger and a washmachine in the truck it doesn't vibrate. I think it is time for the truck to go to my Ford dealer and have the I Beams bent into spects. 3/8inch lean with the top out seems like an awful lot to me. By the way I measured the lean with a plumb bob.
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From: Batavia
Originally Posted by alcan60283
I wonder, if the truck has been completeley rebuilt, why are you still having the problem? What specifically has been rebuilt on the front end? I think you just have some bad shocks/springs. And no, there isnt any different springs other than the 6 or 8 cyl ones. The only difference is between models , 150 springs, 250 springs, and so on.