Front end vibration
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New User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23
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Front end vibration
Hi, I have a 1977 f-100, 2wd, 6 cyl, standard, 3 speed on the column with power steering. I bought this truck new and have taken good care of it for 31 years. I am having problems with the front end. It just started shimming a bit when I get up over 60mph and when I hit a slight bump, it shakes a bit more. I have jacked up the front end to see if anything is loose and it all appears tight. I have new shocks and tires and it has been greased and lubed regularly. Is there any way to tell if it is a tie rod end, kingpin, steering link? It is all original and wears the tires evenly.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 92
Likes: 1
From: Rock Island, Illinois
Does your truck have a track arm? My 79 4 x 4 has a track arm and the bushings wear out frequently. Causes violent vibration in my front end, enough to cause the tailgate to fall off the truck, the glove box door falls open, and everything goes flying around the cab. The track arm on the 4 X 4 spans from the drivers side someplace over to the passenger side of the front axle.
More likely in your case with a 2wd, you have a loose wheel bearing. Any noises?
More likely in your case with a 2wd, you have a loose wheel bearing. Any noises?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 17
From: Hesperia, CA
The easiest way I have found to check out a front end is to put it on jackstands with the wheels just off of the ground. Get under the thing, grab a wheel, and start shaking it. If something is loose, you will see it. Any loose bushings, knuckles, ball joints, etc. will really show up with no weight on them. This way you don’t have to enlist someone to help you.
It sure sounds like a tire balance problem though. You said you have new tires on it. Did you have problems with the old tires? Usually vibrations at certain speeds is tire balance problems.
It sure sounds like a tire balance problem though. You said you have new tires on it. Did you have problems with the old tires? Usually vibrations at certain speeds is tire balance problems.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 384
Likes: 2
My 2cents. could be any of the above. Wheel balance(new tires), wheel bearing, kingpin, ball joints, stabilizer. Maybe even ragjoint? Maybe. If its the new tires, do you feel it in the steering wheel or the seat? Wheel=front tire. Seat=rear tires. A tire guy told me that once. Don't if any truth to it thou.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 679
Likes: 1
From: Memphis, TN
ummmmmm.... if its all factory, i would think its time to start rebuilding the front end anyways. just my opinion. i have a 1974 F-100 2wd and the front end shake is all from my kingpins and bushings.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,191
Likes: 4
From: Blairsville,Ga
from my experience the 6 bangers seemed to shimmy worse from slightly worn king pin bushings than the V-8s for some reason
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