Turning Radius
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Joined: Nov 2002
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Turning Radius
I just bought a 95 Ford F-150. I love the truck. It has a 3 or 4 inch lift on it with 33 inch tires. It looks great. However, the turning radius on it sucks. I'm guessing that it has something to do with the lift. I have a hard time pulling into parking spots at the grocery store because I can't turn tight enough. Is there anything out there that might improve this? Or do I just have to learn to live with it? I love the tires and the lift, so if I have to live with it I will.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: SW Maryland
Turning Radius
It would seem to me the easiest way to increase turning raidus would be to lenghten the raidus arm. Did the raidus arm get changed out as a result of the lift or loosened maybe?
It may also be that because of the lift your tie rods have increased vertical angle with the ground, so you would have to turn the wheel farther to get the same turn...except the gearbox can only turn so far. If this is the case, an extension for the raidus arm would be needed to return the tie rod angles to normal.
(These are things I though of in my head. I don't know for sure if they are correct and I don't have any actual experience with them. More of the "engineers diagnosis" than the "mechanics diagnosis")
It may also be that because of the lift your tie rods have increased vertical angle with the ground, so you would have to turn the wheel farther to get the same turn...except the gearbox can only turn so far. If this is the case, an extension for the raidus arm would be needed to return the tie rod angles to normal.
(These are things I though of in my head. I don't know for sure if they are correct and I don't have any actual experience with them. More of the "engineers diagnosis" than the "mechanics diagnosis")
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From: Everett, WA
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: San Jose NOR*CAL
My 92 F250's turning radius also leaves a lot to be desired. I can not make a u turn in it unless its on a 3 lane road!!! I have learned to deal with it, but any "tips" would be great.
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From: Vancouver WA
Increasing the turning radius means it takes more room to turn. Decreasing the radius means you can turn in a smaller area.
What kind of truck is it (regular/extended cab, short /long bed)? Have you owned a similar truck that you are comparing the turning radius to, or do you just feel it should turn sharper than it does. When I went from an '85 Bronco to a '95 F150 ext cab shortbed, I thought I'd never be able to park again, but I got used to it.
What kind of truck is it (regular/extended cab, short /long bed)? Have you owned a similar truck that you are comparing the turning radius to, or do you just feel it should turn sharper than it does. When I went from an '85 Bronco to a '95 F150 ext cab shortbed, I thought I'd never be able to park again, but I got used to it.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 166
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From: San Jose NOR*CAL
I went from a 89 F150 std cab 2wd long bed to a 1992 f250 4wd extra cab long bed. While my 89 could make a u turn I find that I have to do a 3 point turn (lol) in my 92. I just put a 4 Inch lift on my 92 , so we will see what happens. Mrwizrd is rigt it takes some geting used to .
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