Severe Front End Shake
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Severe Front End Shake
My brother has a 88 F-250 that he just changed the front end on. It had the TTB, and he had a set of solid axles here out of a 89 F-350 SRW. So he changed both the front and rear, due to different ratio's. When he got it finished he took it for a test spin, and it shook so bad at 35-45 it bout shook him off the road. I am not talking you typical outta balance tire shake. I am talking felt like the front end was coming out. He had his 33's on, the same one he had on with the TTB suspension, which had a little shake then,and are dipped out, but was very drivable. He tried rotating the tires front to back, putting the ones not dipped so bad on the front, but to no advantage. He then put his old 265's back on, and the truck is fine now. Can run 70 mph, with no problems. It only done the shake once on him with them on, and that was when he hit a spot on the road where they had repaved and the asphalt got higher. So after knowing this, we are stumped, thought it was just the tires, but it still done it that once with the 265's on too. And before you wonder, yes he does have a steering stabilizer shock. Does anyone have any clues as to what this may be? Thanks for any help guys!!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,701
Likes: 6
It sounds to me like a mounting problem. My boss has an F150 with a 6" lift, and it developed that problem. It was so bad that after it started, he would have to slow to a stop and then get going again. Turns out that there were about 8 cracks in the mount holes for one of the drop brackets. We welded them up, he got it aligned and now it is fine. Of course, the trucks are different, but the problem sounds the same. I would look at all the mounts and if it persists, fab up a track bar of some sort to see if that helps. I personally think steering stabilizers are a bunch of hype, and so putting one on didn't help you because of that. Anyway, good luck, and post what you find out. Ted
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 970
Likes: 3
Sounds like the problem that has stumped the engineers since the 1920's. The cure is the steering dampner. I bet if you disconnect it you will find it has lost it's constant
pressure. It will push or pull easy then have resistance etc. It is according to what
I have read set up by the gyroscopic effect of one wheel over the other.
On a bunch of P model trucks it was a problem we would see from time to time, replace the damper and it was gone.
pressure. It will push or pull easy then have resistance etc. It is according to what
I have read set up by the gyroscopic effect of one wheel over the other.
On a bunch of P model trucks it was a problem we would see from time to time, replace the damper and it was gone.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
OK guys I am starting to get aggravated by this thing. I replaced the kingpin bushings on it today thinking this was the cause. The others were wore severely after taking the covers off and checking them. This did not solve my problem. I just went out and checked my track bar, and the bracket is already welded, except the bracket that bolts to the crossmember. It is not welded, but has 3 bolts in it, so I really see no way it could move. I am gonna check the torque on the bolts tomorrow, but I doubt this will help! I have been noticing though what lil bit I can drive it, under 35mph, that when I make a sharp turn either direction I am hearing a clunk. I dunno what it is, but it sounds as if something may be moving, and that is probably where I am getting my shake at higher speeds. Gonna check it all tomorrow, but I am beginning to think I ain't gonna get this thing. Thanks for the help so far, if ya have any other clues, please help me out. Thanks alot!! I will keep you informed.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 970
Likes: 3
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,701
Likes: 6
You said you get a clunk when you turn, check the mount bolts for the steering box, and make sure the steering linkage ends are good and tight. Maybe the steering is the issue, not the mounting for the axle/suspension. 
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
I have not checked my dampner. Do you really think it could make that much of a difference? I am going to check the mounting hardware, and then check the steering box mounting. Thanks for the help! I will let ya know what I find.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 767
Likes: 1
From: Franklin, GA
With all the violent shaking mentioned, I'd double check all fasteners torque just in case. And yes, the bolts on the cross member bracket for the trac bar could be loose. Mine were. You mentioned the bump in the road would produce the shaking. Is the shock absorbers on the vehicle, and if so, are they worn out? Another thing I'm not clear on is whether or not you have leaf springs on the vehicle in place of coil springs? If it has leaf springs now, it shouldn't need a trac bar on it anymore.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Well I may have possibly found my problem. As I went to check the torque on the track bar, I noticed that the bushings in it were shot. Now I just called my local parts store, and they say they cannot get it. I have found a few online, but none that offer fast shipping. I need this fast, but I might just have to wait I suppose!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 767
Likes: 1
From: Franklin, GA
I got my trac bar bushings at Advance Auto Parts. Had to take my old ones in to show the guy what they were 'cause their computer didn't list them as trac bar bushings. After three trips to the back of the store, he finally brought what I needed. Twelve dollars later and I'm back on the road. I can't remember what they were listed as in their computer. Your store probably has them. You'll just have to "help" them find it in their computer! If you have a Car Quest or NAPA in the area, they should have it.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Hey hdgapeach, thanks for the heads up. I ask them for trac bar bushings and thay said, no we don't carry em. I will take them in and see if they have anything like them. I have a NAPA here in town, and an advance auto parts bout 25 miles away. I need this thing back on the road, so once again, thanks!
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver
track bar bushing removal trick
just did the track bar bushings on my 79 bronco. I used my pitman arm puller as a press to remove the old bushings..put a 17mm socket over the end of the bolt on the puller, hook it over the end of the bar so the socket is centered on the steel sleeve in the bushing , and tighten the puller until the sleeve pushes out..no problem! .. ps Napa has a split bushing so you wont need a press to put the new ones in..hope this helps