Ok, here's the scoop:

I have a 2000 F-250 7.3L A/T 2WD CrewCab 6' bed with ~167,000mi. The powertrain is sound, but I have a frontend problem.

For the past several months, I'm getting a progressively worsening wobble in the frontend....most notably around 45mph. When I brake at this speed, the wobble is worse than while cruising at this speed. It has started to cause uneven wear on my tires (Yokohama Geolander 285-75 16 on aftermarket wheels). I have also noticed a clunking/rattling sound in the front end (driver-side only) when I go over speed bumps or a choppy dirt road. There are no groaning, creaking or squeeking noises. There doesn't seem to be any slop in the steering wheel while driving. It has always pulled gently to the right.

I bought the truck used in 2003 with about 80,000mi (mostly "highway" miles) on it. To my knowledge, all of the front suspension parts are original. There is a Ranch Hand grill guard, but not the one that replaces the front bumper. So there is a little bit of extra weight up front.

The last time I changed the oil, I tugged on the tie rods. Nothing seemed loose. I know.....I probably need to jack it up and unload the front suspension and try again, but all of my stuff is currently in storage. I was hoping to get some advice here before I go dig out all of my tools and tear into the front end.

Ball joints?
I understand they are a problem on the PSD F-250's.

Will unloading the suspension help better troubleshoot the problem?


Please....any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Money is tight and I don't want to take it to a repair shop/dealership. I also don't want to repair/replace something that doesn't solve the problem. I know my way around a tool box and should have everything I need to do the repairs (including a repair manual), but this is my first crack at suspension stuff.

Thanks in advance, and let me know if you have any other questions.
I also posted this in the Super Duty section.


Dan

 

With that many miles I'd bet the balljoints are shot.You'll have to jack it up to check them.Also check the trac-bar,with the truck on the ground,have someone shake the steering back/forth and check for play in the bushings.

 

Will do. Thanks for the advice.

The trac-bar is the link from the pitman arm to the other tie rods?

 

The Trac-bar keeps the front axle in place (centered in truck).Attaches to frame behind steering box,the other end attaches to axle.

 

There is a trac-bar on 2wd's?

 

Missed that,no trac-bar on 2wd.I'd bet an outer tie-rod or RH Connecting rod (that's the one that attaches to pitman arm).Also check axle pivot bushings.