Wallowing Front End
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2007
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Wallowing Front End
What have you guys done to alleviate the worst handling trucks in the world? Heck, I had an old '85 F250 that handles better than my 2000 F250. I can't take it anymore. Turn the wheel back and forth and the truck body takes half an hour to catch up.
Truck has new ball joints, front shocks (gas matics), end links, etc. Truck does not have a steering stabilizer shock but I doubt that would help this issue.
Truck has new ball joints, front shocks (gas matics), end links, etc. Truck does not have a steering stabilizer shock but I doubt that would help this issue.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,399
Likes: 318
From: Whittier, CA
The steering gear box is shot. Maybe just needs adjustment. But on a 2000, probably shot. A search here will turn up lots of info on the very common issue, including an excellent aftermarket unit from Redhead.
One thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...installed.html
One thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...installed.html
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 551
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The steering gear box is shot. Maybe just needs adjustment. But on a 2000, probably shot. A search here will turn up lots of info on the very common issue, including an excellent aftermarket unit from Redhead.
One thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...installed.html
One thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...installed.html
Maybe a better way to say what I mean is there is WAY too much body roll. Turn the wheel quickly back and forth, the wheels react, but the body doesn't.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,974
Likes: 18
From: Millersburg, OH
If you think it's body roll or sway issue then it can be sway bar issues, spring issues, or even the track bar. Check the bushings in all three of these areas. And it can still be the steering box. If there is slop in the steering box you can turn the steering wheel alot before it actual turns the front wheels. This can be felt as a delay or body roll.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2007
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If you think it's body roll or sway issue then it can be sway bar issues, spring issues, or even the track bar. Check the bushings in all three of these areas. And it can still be the steering box. If there is slop in the steering box you can turn the steering wheel alot before it actual turns the front wheels. This can be felt as a delay or body roll.
It's not the box guys. It has something to do with the way too heavy front end and the way too soft suspension bits.
Does anyone put out a poly bushing kit for these trucks? I think that is the next step.
ETA: Come to think of it, my 1990 Bronco with a 8 inch lift and jumbo tires handled better than this truck. Is the diesel engine that much heavier than a regular V8 to make such a difference?
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,399
Likes: 318
From: Whittier, CA
Agreed, if it's not sloppy, then it's not the box. It's also not a sports car, and mine is anything but soft in the front. So I don't know what to tell you. Checking the sway bar is good advice from monster. They are also a common wear point. Then there are shocks. What are "gas matics"? What GVWR is this truck? There were several spring options available. Poly body mount kits are available if you really think it is body slump.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,974
Likes: 18
From: Millersburg, OH
Energy Suspensions makes a full poly bushing kit. I have their track bar and sway bar bushing. When I finally have the money I will replace my front springs and use Energy Suspension bushing for the new springs.
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Hotshot
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From: Whittier, CA
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Elder User
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Haven't done the alignment yet, (and yes, I do know I need to get it done) but that is not going to cause the slow mo response of the suspension vs. body. It may however be a good starting point to ensure everything is at factory specs.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 7
From: NH
Yes, Have it aligned first and mention the body roll. They can check the swaybar bushings and links as well as track bar bushings. They can sometimes look ok but arent. Mis-adjusted/bad tie-rods can exhibit similar effects. How is it in low speed cornering? Do you have excessive front end "leaning"?
If you still have the issues after the alignment and check-out let us know.
If you still have the issues after the alignment and check-out let us know.
