In the last 2 years, I've replaced shocks, ball joints, radius arm bushings, front sway bar & end link bushings & passenger side tie rod end trying to cure my wandering problem. Everything I've done has made a small improvement (at least for a little while) in the way it handles. The truck drives pretty decent for normal drive, but can be a little bit to handle on the freeway and while towing. I figured replacing the tires would be the final piece of the puzzle. Much to my suprise, replacing the tires seems to have exagerated the problem. I'm guessing that is due to the increased grip & stiffer sidewall of the new tires.

After changing tires, it seems to take a little more effort to turn the steering wheel. Also it seems that when I apply a steering correction, the truck keeps going until I correct again. I have not made any adjustments to the steering box and the wheels feel tight with the steering wheel. I lifted the front to check both ball joints. I could feel a little play in each joint. I do not think I could measure anything on the passenger side, but the driver's side may have 1/32" or 1/16" of play. I greased them both and the steering joints and the truck seems to drive quite a bit better. After greasing I did not get any play in the ball joints. Is it normal to have a little play in the ball joints if they were allowed to dry out? I'm just wondering if I should expect to have to replace them again.

I'm thinking about scheduling a front end alignment, but would rather change them myself if it is needed.

 

From what I understand Ford put lighter springs on the EX than the trucks. You can fix the "wander" by putting "V" code springs on front and "B" code springs on the rear. They come from the trucks.

 

tighten the steering box play?

 

Those springs aren't gonna solve it. Besides he has a 2WD.

Ball joints shouldn't have any play.

I would get it aligned first since you don't really feel much play after you lubed them. These 2WD are quite finicky when it comes to alignments. A poorly aligned front end will cause excessive wear on everything!

 

thanks monsta,

I'll make an appt for it and see what happens. I wonder if there is just a enough play in there when dry to allow room for the grease. After I lubed them up, I didn't feel any play. I pumped almost 3 shots of grease in each one before they were full. I'm suprised they were that dry and hope I didn't damage them.

 

Honestly, they may have been damaged. Getting an alignment at a reputable, independent shop (I like shops that deal with big trucks) is your best bet. The mechanic will usually be able to tell you if you need ball joints or not. You cannot get an alignment with ball joints that are out of spec.

Pretty cool that yours have been replaced with greaseable ones, though.

 

Is there a manufacturer of suspension components beter than another? Like Ball Joints, Tie Rods, Bushings, End Links, Steering Stabilizers, and Shocks.

Thanks

 

What happens if you don't replace bad ball joints?

I just had mine done at the stealership. My Excursion has 35,000 miles and they went already. The 36 month portion of my warranty is 2 months out. I luckly bought the 100,000 ESP for the truck. I spent 100 bucks to have all four ball joints done. The ESP just paid for itself.

 

I used greasable Moogs I bought from NAPA. I can't remember the price, seems like about $40 ea. roughly.

If you don't replace them and depending on how bad they are, they will increase wear on your other suspension components especially tires.

 

FWIW, I did have my alignment checked a few weeks ago. I had my front air bags inflated to 45 psi (they max at 50 psi). At 45 psi, they lift the front about 1/2" at the most. The shop told me that they made very minor adjustments and took my airbags down to 15-25 psi to keep the alignment within spec. I do not have the numbers with me but can post them later if anybody is interested. We just finished a 1000 mile round trip and I am pretty pleased now. It still feels a little light (touchy) in the front at highway speeds, but is much better than it was. I haven't had a chance to tow yet.

 

For what its worth, the dealership did put in greasable (zerk fitting) ball joints for me, without asking. Maybe they are getting smart about the ball joints on these trucks.

 

I have to go see what the dealer put in my truck last time now. Hopefully I got greasabel ones too? They only replaced one side last winter, time for me to go back and complain about the frontend and try to get the other two done. I wonder if its contributing to my wander. Truck tracked liek a train till they did 2 balljoints, been wandering ever since.I probably shoulda brought it back after they did the two but the snow started flying and all my other cars get put away for the winter.