suspension question
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New User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 18
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suspension question
When i back my truck into my driveway the front tires point in at the top. I just noticed that they are starting to point in at the top though not as bad when it is setting om level ground. i don't know that much about ifs but is this supposed to happen. It is a 95 150 with a 351.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,586
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From: Linwood, N.J. USA!
suspension question
I have found it to be a normal thing with most of my trucks. You may want to check the front end for worn parts or soft springs. It could be out of alignment also. Every time I back up my truck, the front wheels do the same thing. Done it since new. 92' F-250. I have gotten into the habit of pulling ahead a couple of feet after backing up. It normally places my wheels back in what would look to be the proper setting position. Call it a pet peeve. It's what I do. Jake.
Jakegypsum // Ford fleet, soup to nuts.
Jakegypsum // Ford fleet, soup to nuts.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 714
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From: Georgia
suspension question
Both of my trucks sit like that when backed up. I just dismissed it as one of the quirks of a TTB.
1995 Bronco- Eddie Bauer, 351W, E40D, too much to list....
1989 F-150- XL, 4x4, 302, M50D, much more to come...
1995 Bronco- Eddie Bauer, 351W, E40D, too much to list....
1989 F-150- XL, 4x4, 302, M50D, much more to come...
Elder User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 662
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From: washington
suspension question
all it need is new shims. You can fix it easily or just spend 150.00 for an alignment which they would cure the problem..
1988 Ford F250 4x4, 5.0 liter (soon to be Roller 5.0), AOD tranny, 2.5 Dual exhaust, Headman Shortyheaders, 33" BFG's Mud Terrain
1980 Ford F100, with 1988 5.0L Roller (carburated), T-5 five speed Borg Warner World Class Transmission, 31 spline 9" 3.73 posi , and a bunch more!! 13.78 quarter mile.
1988 Ford F250 4x4, 5.0 liter (soon to be Roller 5.0), AOD tranny, 2.5 Dual exhaust, Headman Shortyheaders, 33" BFG's Mud Terrain
1980 Ford F100, with 1988 5.0L Roller (carburated), T-5 five speed Borg Warner World Class Transmission, 31 spline 9" 3.73 posi , and a bunch more!! 13.78 quarter mile.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 109
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suspension question
Have 94 250 4x4 that did same thing. Needed ball joints and inner axle bushings. Helped 400%. Now tires stand up straight when backed in to driveway. My experience. Good luck.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,019
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From: Bismarck, ND
suspension question
My Bronco never used to, but it does now.... as noted in other posts, I've seen many Fords do this when backed up. I do know that my ball joints are shot, and I expect the problem to be resolved in several weeks when I rebuild the front end and have it realigned. Jack up your front end and, grasping each tire at the top and bottom, see if you can wiggle it in and out. If you've got play, have someone else do it while you watch your upper and lower ball joints for play. You may be needing them, also.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 120
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From: Wisconsin
suspension question
Anyone got any good suggestions on doing the ball koints? My F250 needs 'em...I started last night, but it's too wet to do anything today....I was told I should replace the caster/camber bushings too...the dealer also tried to sell me a new set of springs...I don't think it's that bad....but ya, my 250 does it too, the right wheel points in more than the left though...
Phil
Phil
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 3
From: Bismarck, ND
suspension question
I'm not that familiar with the F250 front end, but there is a good tech article on replacing ball joints on a half-ton at http://www.off-road.com/ford/bigbroncos. Type in the address, and once there click (on the left-hand menu) "Tech", then from the drop-down "Suspension", and then "Replacing Ball Joints". This is written for doing the job on an IFS Bronco, but maybe there's something in there you may find useful. I've just hosed down my front end with PB Blaster (penetrating oil), and I'll be hoping the stuff vibrates in over the next couple of weeks until I take mine down for new ball joints, springs, tie rod ends, hubs...... the works. Hope this site will help you out.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 37
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suspension question
Toecutter, I just replaced mine a month ago. I snapped a breaker bar and 2 1/2" rachets and some sockets doing mine. An impact wrench sure helps things along. I didn't replace the camber adjusters. They stayed put while we used two sledge hammers to pop the suckers from the frame. Then we used a rack and pinion press to get them out of the knuckle and press the new ones in. We took our time and it went well. Good luck.
89 F250HD SC 351W C6 4X4
82 F100 (Brown Beater) 300 1 bbl. 3sp w/OD 2WD: In 2 wrecks; Just Can't Kill It!
89 F250HD SC 351W C6 4X4
82 F100 (Brown Beater) 300 1 bbl. 3sp w/OD 2WD: In 2 wrecks; Just Can't Kill It!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
suspension question
I was able to get the left side apart tonight. What a pain. LOTS of heat...you are difinitely better off with a torch. I couldn't get my top ball joint to break loose, so I cut it between the spindle and the axle frame. Then I took a pickle fork and broke the bottom joint loose...eheheh I thought these ball joints were to last the life of the truck....Then I took the remaining stud from the upper, burned a hole in it from the top, heated the underneath of the stud cherry red, then took a 3/8 3 inch socket extension, and one good swing popped her out....the bushing looks good...I'm going to take the spindle to someone with a LARGE press....Hopefully I can get the right side done tomorrow night...
I'll keep you guys posted...
THANKS!
phil
I'll keep you guys posted...
THANKS!
phil
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,586
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From: Linwood, N.J. USA!
suspension question
Good question! Of course, the first reason would be if the truck is out of alignment. If the tierod ends are out of adjustment in a way to where the front tires are actually minutly turned towards on another, then when backing up they will actually try to steer apart.
Now, My theory is that there is a slight shift in truck weight when backing up. Weight that is kind of directed towards the front axel causing the springs to collaps a little causing the poor stance. Softer or older springs will allow the nose to dip even more.
Jakegypsum // Ford fleet, soup to nuts.
Now, My theory is that there is a slight shift in truck weight when backing up. Weight that is kind of directed towards the front axel causing the springs to collaps a little causing the poor stance. Softer or older springs will allow the nose to dip even more.
Jakegypsum // Ford fleet, soup to nuts.