350 4x4 front suspension issues.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
350 4x4 front suspension issues.
Im in the process of weeding out a loose front end, ball joints are good, I know the tie rods are pretty bad as well as the box is loose.It turns right fine but fast left handers seems to have terrible understeer. Im at odds with the trac rod and why on a leaf sprung front end. I replaced the front shackles as the bushings were shot and their narrowness is perhaps the reason for a trac rod. It seems abnormal that from the factory it runs at such an angle. compressing the front springs will push the diff to the left pretty substancially. If it was level it would eliminate the problem.Very similar to a coil sprung jeep TJ or XJ. Anyone try removing the rod and see how it worked?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 103
Likes: 6
I have removed my track bar in 95 on my F-350 4X4 it's a 1994 60,000 miles later no problems. Now at the same time I removed the small front shackles
and put in a kit witch had much larger ones, had to drill the frame and weld
in new tube for bushing easy kit to do . I use the truck to hall a very large slide in camper and it's ben fine. I would not remove with out replaceing the front shackles as the stock look weak to me.
and put in a kit witch had much larger ones, had to drill the frame and weld
in new tube for bushing easy kit to do . I use the truck to hall a very large slide in camper and it's ben fine. I would not remove with out replaceing the front shackles as the stock look weak to me.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Where did you get the kit? or what did you use for wider shackles? I replaced mine with new factory ones but as you mention the top is only about 1.5" wide and would provide 0 lateral stability in turns etc. I also am setting mine up to haul a slide in camper.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB Canada
have you tried replacing the bushings in the track bar? The older style broncos have a similar track bar and i replace the bushings in it almost anaully. The mounts on the frames of the these trucks also come loose and it is hard to tell. Have some one quickly wiggle the steering wheel about 1/8th of a turn while you look under the front of the truck, with the wheels one the ground. If something is loose, it will show that way.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
I`ll do that. I still get some clunking on bumps and after the shackle install/u bolt retorque and setting the tires to 40PSI Im getting mild death wobble after hitting a bump. Damn Dodge POS I finally called it quits on is gonna haunt me till the day I die. D/W deluxe in that thing, almost as bad as my jeep TJ. Ive bever had a straight axle leaf sprung truck do this, Kinda weird. I should probably install and steering stabilizer as well, probably wouldent hurt.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB Canada
I wouldnt reccomend the steering stabilizer since they mask real problems such as yours. Its more like a bandaid fix. I would check it out and see like i mentioned. Death wobble is a classic symptom of the track bar bushings and mounts. Get some nice aftermarket poly bushings for it, cause when i did the ones in my bronco the first time, the napa replacements were no better than my worn out ones.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Thank You for the info, Id imagine energy suspension sells poly bushings. Its goin in tuesday for tie rods and alignment. i have a leak in the PS system also thats minute but messy, looks like the pump shaft seal but not sure. Ive considered replaacing the box and pump, their fairly cheap considering. I feel like a kid in a toy store regarding repairs on this truck after the Diesel dodge got rid of. I had 8K in repairs in 3 years and still needed another 2k fix again for the second time in 30K. man I had bad luck with them things.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, AB Canada
I know what you mean. I went nuts on my 92 after I bent up the front suspension and the motor blew up. The only thing stock is the body and the frame. I did it all myself aswell so I saved a bit by not taking it to a mechanic for it. The number of hours I have on it, I cant even imagine what the price tag would have been for it to be on the clock. Good luck.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JaysRanger
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
6
Apr 18, 2010 01:36 PM
gcfisher75
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
Feb 4, 2007 12:28 AM