Help! Wandering F150
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 5
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From: Cuyahoga Falls, OH , USA
Help! Wandering F150
I would just like to take a minute to say hello. I found this neat board while looking for information on my truck.
As to the problem, my 1995 F150 4x2 LB has a mind of its own. It wanders while going down the road. The local Ford dealer blames the 31x10.50R15 tires. I have spoken to people running 44x14.50's without much of a problem, so I am sort of ruling out the tires. The dealer has become useless, so now I am looking at getting rid of my "new" truck because I can not control the thing. Can somebody please help?
As to the problem, my 1995 F150 4x2 LB has a mind of its own. It wanders while going down the road. The local Ford dealer blames the 31x10.50R15 tires. I have spoken to people running 44x14.50's without much of a problem, so I am sort of ruling out the tires. The dealer has become useless, so now I am looking at getting rid of my "new" truck because I can not control the thing. Can somebody please help?
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 5
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From: Cuyahoga Falls, OH , USA
Thank you for the help.
All 4 ball joint were replaced shortly after I bought the truck. Also, the radius arm bushings have been replaced. My Ford ESP covered the work.
I did take the truck to a local alignment shop and the guy there said all the linkages looked in good order as well as the gear box. I did not have him put the truck on the machine because of the warranty with Ford.
Should I have the alignment place do the work or my dealer?
What about loose wheel bearings?
Maybe adding a Rancho Steering Stabilizer would help?
All 4 ball joint were replaced shortly after I bought the truck. Also, the radius arm bushings have been replaced. My Ford ESP covered the work.
I did take the truck to a local alignment shop and the guy there said all the linkages looked in good order as well as the gear box. I did not have him put the truck on the machine because of the warranty with Ford.
Should I have the alignment place do the work or my dealer?
What about loose wheel bearings?
Maybe adding a Rancho Steering Stabilizer would help?
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,506
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From: Bakersfield, CA, USA
A friend has had several of the pre-'97 models, and had the same problem with each. He's told me the cure is to increase the caster (sp?) to the maximum amount within the specified range when you have it aligned.
This has the same effect as increasing the steering head angle on a motorcycle. Lots of caster = EZ rider chopper, stable on highway. Less caster = Twitchy on the highway, doesn't want to track straight.
This has the same effect as increasing the steering head angle on a motorcycle. Lots of caster = EZ rider chopper, stable on highway. Less caster = Twitchy on the highway, doesn't want to track straight.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 1998
Posts: 729
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From: Windsor, ON, Canada
RussE, when I bought mine at 94,000 kms (58,656 miles), the lower ball joint was gone on the right front. You may want to check that yourself to see if there is any movement in them, check both upper and lower.
To do this, jack that corner up or whole front end up and with a crow bar put the flat end in and pry against the axle (looks like a hugh "C"). If there is movement in either one of them, get them changed out and then do a front-end alignment on the truck. If they are solid and DON'T move then they are okay. Check the rest of the front end connections for movement all the way back to the steering box. i.e. radius arm bushings like Granpa mentioned, tie-rod ends. If everything looks okay to you then I would suggest the front-end shop because they can get the fine tooth comb out and go over it for you. They may even know what it is from other people in your area that had the same problems. I do know that the truck will wander when the ball joints are worn out.
Have Fun & Keep on Truckin'
Dean
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1994 F-150 XLT Supercab, Long Box, 302 EFI, 3.55 LS, K&N FIPK, Bosch Platinum +4 Spark Plugs, Automatic, Single Catalytic converter, followed by a Raven Z-55 muffler and finished off with chrome tips (2 1/2" to 3"), Royal Blue in and out, Captain Chairs. Chrome Rims 15x8's, Michelin LTX M/S 105S 235/75R15 (Summer), OEM Aluminum Rims 15x8's, Michelin LTX M/S 108S (Winter), Lightly Tinted, Soft Tonneau Cover, Ford Receiver Hitch Cover & Lock, J&J Enterprises Stainless Steel AirDam with KC driving lights, Lund Supersteps, Lighted Grab Bars, VTech Slotted Taillight Covers, Alpine CDM-7829 Head Unit, PPI 4800 Amplifier, Kicker 10" Solo Baric Sub with Custom Box and Kicker Impulse 6.5 Mid & Tweets.
To do this, jack that corner up or whole front end up and with a crow bar put the flat end in and pry against the axle (looks like a hugh "C"). If there is movement in either one of them, get them changed out and then do a front-end alignment on the truck. If they are solid and DON'T move then they are okay. Check the rest of the front end connections for movement all the way back to the steering box. i.e. radius arm bushings like Granpa mentioned, tie-rod ends. If everything looks okay to you then I would suggest the front-end shop because they can get the fine tooth comb out and go over it for you. They may even know what it is from other people in your area that had the same problems. I do know that the truck will wander when the ball joints are worn out.
Have Fun & Keep on Truckin'
Dean
------------------
1994 F-150 XLT Supercab, Long Box, 302 EFI, 3.55 LS, K&N FIPK, Bosch Platinum +4 Spark Plugs, Automatic, Single Catalytic converter, followed by a Raven Z-55 muffler and finished off with chrome tips (2 1/2" to 3"), Royal Blue in and out, Captain Chairs. Chrome Rims 15x8's, Michelin LTX M/S 105S 235/75R15 (Summer), OEM Aluminum Rims 15x8's, Michelin LTX M/S 108S (Winter), Lightly Tinted, Soft Tonneau Cover, Ford Receiver Hitch Cover & Lock, J&J Enterprises Stainless Steel AirDam with KC driving lights, Lund Supersteps, Lighted Grab Bars, VTech Slotted Taillight Covers, Alpine CDM-7829 Head Unit, PPI 4800 Amplifier, Kicker 10" Solo Baric Sub with Custom Box and Kicker Impulse 6.5 Mid & Tweets.