front end
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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front end
I have an 87 F-150 4x4 5.0 auto,32 inch bfg's my problem is when I backup and stop the front end goes out of whack my tires point in and tilt up all goofy like it also wonders when the roads are slick like the tires are both tyin to go different ways.The front end checks out ok,just had two right ball joints done and the rest is a year old and about 3,000 k on them ,truck only has 153,000 kilometers on it, but the frame rotted out on passenger side in front of radious arm and someone welded a plate in.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
That is a spindle alignment problem. Ball joint are still the most likely cause, becuase of the upward tilt. The toe in would likely be weak tie rod ends.
Now, if you bought a store brand or poor quality parts, it is possible for them to fail that soon. Moog is my personal favorite, TRW is fairly good as well. Moog also makes two levels of parts, so alway buy the one's that end in T.
On the safe side, check the bushings as well. To narrow it down, lift the front end up and support the frame so the tires are just hanging. just start grabbing parts and wiggling. There should be a minimal amount of movement.
Now, if you bought a store brand or poor quality parts, it is possible for them to fail that soon. Moog is my personal favorite, TRW is fairly good as well. Moog also makes two levels of parts, so alway buy the one's that end in T.
On the safe side, check the bushings as well. To narrow it down, lift the front end up and support the frame so the tires are just hanging. just start grabbing parts and wiggling. There should be a minimal amount of movement.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
I kind of doubt it. Something is changing the distance between the steering points of the spindles. Your setup should an inverted Y with the drag link connecting steering box to the RH spindle, on the drag link, a few inches after the gear box the other tie rod ends are mounted. Making a total of 4 tie rod ends.
I think you have an IFS axle, so it's possible the bushing are shot in the axle housings. That might allow the spindles to change distance. However, I can't see it being a frame issue, but that doesn't mean much.
I think you have an IFS axle, so it's possible the bushing are shot in the axle housings. That might allow the spindles to change distance. However, I can't see it being a frame issue, but that doesn't mean much.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,978
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From: Central PA
Been thriugh this before. If truck has 100000 miles or more and all joints tierod are solid its the springs . I have had truck that didn't wear tires but when you backed up did what you said. weak springs will make the toe look worse when you back up. I swapped coils in my new F150 at 120000 mile because I had the coils. It was lined up when bought it at 110000 miles.There was no tire wear and sat nice. The coils I used were new stock ford coils (I didn't pay for them) . New new coils on checked ride hieght After 5000 miles (so it could settle )and it sits almost 2 in higher in front than before. And tire stay straight . I would check everything out and replace anyway before lined up good luck
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I put new springs in couple months ago,was certified last january,about 1500 killometers ago,last month replaced upper and lower balljoints on right side,bottom was bad but was told had to replace both cause it wrecks the other when replacing just one.Did other ball joints at safety and have replaced u joints.When front is hanging there is a bit of play in steering box that allows tires to be moved a little bit.If I hit some snow or slush with one side it will pull the truck violently in that direction.My 83 F-150 4x4 31inch tires gives me no such problems.
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
The violent steering sounds like bump steer. It typically indicates one set of linkage is longer than the other, so when the suspension compresses the steering is pushed to that side. I don't think it is the cause of the problems.
When you replaced the coils, how did the radius arm bushings look?
When you replaced the coils, how did the radius arm bushings look?