Wondering front end
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Wondering front end
I have a '84 F-150 4X4 with the following new items installed. Inner and outer tie rods, ball joints top and bottom, new coil springs, shocks, radius arm brackets and bushings, inner and outer wheel bearings, and adjusted steering box. This truck still wants to wonder all over the road. I have had an alignment done and the mechanic said he couldn't find anything wrong. Is there something I am missing? Does the axle pivot points have bushings that need replacing? Is there anyone that has heard of this problem, if so I would appreciate the help.
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Joined: Jul 1999
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Wondering front end
WSJ ,
I have assited replacing the axle pivot bushings on a Bronco... Its a job for sure . You ll usually hear them clunking like the radius arm bushings do . As far as the wandering goes , dont under estimate tire pressure , Esp if you are running bigger than stock tires . I know my truck will tend to travel to the side that has a lower tire pressure . Recheck to make sure the wheel bearings are snug . Ive heard this compplaint before and what seemed to help was switching tires side to side , both left to right and vice versa . I think its the nature of the twin I beam to have somewhat of a boat handling characteristic ? Every one I have ever driven just handle differently than other suspensions , not a bad thing , its just the Ford thing .
Paul
I have assited replacing the axle pivot bushings on a Bronco... Its a job for sure . You ll usually hear them clunking like the radius arm bushings do . As far as the wandering goes , dont under estimate tire pressure , Esp if you are running bigger than stock tires . I know my truck will tend to travel to the side that has a lower tire pressure . Recheck to make sure the wheel bearings are snug . Ive heard this compplaint before and what seemed to help was switching tires side to side , both left to right and vice versa . I think its the nature of the twin I beam to have somewhat of a boat handling characteristic ? Every one I have ever driven just handle differently than other suspensions , not a bad thing , its just the Ford thing .
Paul
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Wondering front end
I forgot to list my tire size. I originally was running 31/10.50-15 now I am running 33/12.50-15. The tire pressure is the same all the way around and I've played with the pressure alot with no change at all. I've replaced the steering dampner when I installed new shocks and checked the wheel bearings and there still tight. I have also got a 3inch body lift, would this have effected anything? I've parked it for now and plan on leaving it parked until I figure out why it switches lanes on it's own. HELP! HELP!
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Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Indiana
Wondering front end
WSJ, it has been my experience that the TTB front end tends to wonder around some even when in good condition. And the bigger the tire the worse it is. Do you still have your smaller tires? Maybe you could put them back on and see what happens.
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Joined: Jan 2000
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From: NJ
Wondering front end
I had problems with my 93 Van E150 wandering (always did from new) I had several different places do the alignments with the same results.(including my local Ford dealer) One day A friend told me he knew a mechanic who was real good with Ford front ends. My van never wandered again. He told me that there are some settings that most aligment guys won't even check on Ford trucks because it is not easy to adjust. Also I read somewhere that a good mechanic will compensate for the extra drag that larger than stock tires causes. Hope this helps. Good Luck and post what you find
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: NJ
Wondering front end
I believe there is an adjustable bushing that goes on the upper ball joint. The factory bushing only allow camber adjustment. But an adjustable bushing allows for some caster adjustment also. The adjustable bushings are usually used when you put in heavyer springs in the front end. They are a real pain to put in and a shop will charge accordingly (not your $50 alignment charge) I think I paid around $250 to have mine done. I believe you need to increase the camber to increase straight line stability.
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