Front end shimmy. HELP

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Feb 22, 2003 | 04:14 PM

51truck

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Front end shimmy. HELP

I have a 51 F1 when I hit a bump in the road the front end shimmys and bounces up and down, I have to stop to get it to stop shimming. Not much fun at 60 mph. I have installed new king pins, shackle pins, shocks, wheel bearings, but it will still shimmy, What am I missing. I do not have stock wheels on it have heard over size wheels will make it do this. I dont see any play in my drag link. Your help is appricated. Will a steering dampner help?
Thanks Don

Feb 22, 2003 | 05:31 PM

darkhorse54

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Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 296

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From: Red Bluff U.S.A.

Front end shimmy. HELP

Have you checked your tie rod ends they could be bad, or your axel could be bent and throwing your alienment out.

Feb 22, 2003 | 10:02 PM

BELLM

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Joined: Jun 2002

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From: Milano, Texas USA

Front end shimmy. HELP

If your tie rod ends, steerring etc tight would try steering dampner, supposed to be what they are for

Feb 23, 2003 | 02:23 PM

286merc

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Joined: Jul 2001

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From: Southern New Hampshire

Front end shimmy. HELP

Sure sounds like tie rod ends to me.

Feb 23, 2003 | 02:36 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

Front end shimmy. HELP

I know you went through the frontend on your truck, but I thought I did too, and had loose steering problems. Just by chance I took the u-bolts loose that held the axle in, and then I grabbed the spring pack and forced it in and out and found lots of movement on the driver's side pack. The passenger side was tight. I got to looking and the rear spring hanger that was riveted to the frame was wore out. Even though a new pin was installed, I didn't notice the hole in the bracket had wear. I replaced this hanger bracket, went and got it aligned, and it really made a difference.

Feb 24, 2003 | 04:27 PM

51truck

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Joined: Jul 2002

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Front end shimmy. HELP

I went through the truck front to back yesterday. U bolts on rear axel were a little loose, retighten the front u bolts and readjusted the drag link. Everything is tight I ordered a steering dampner . Hopefully this will take care of it.

Feb 24, 2003 | 10:18 PM

jeffh

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Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 955

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From: St. Louis USA

Front end shimmy. HELP

I had this problem a number of years ago and took it to a shop where they knew what they were doing. Unfortunately, I forgot what they did.... seems like they said they added shims to some part of the steering, and it was still pretty loose but the shimmies were gone forever. I know this is incredibly vague, but maybe I can jog someone else's memory...