I'm hoping that one of you truck guys can help as I'm not the most mechanical of beasts in the world and would like to have a little information before I start the repair process.

Over the last few days I've noticed that the rear wheels on my '01 SCREW sound like they are sliding to the side when I go from stopped (or slow moving) into either a left or right turn. Sort of sounds like it would if you could just grab your truck and pull the rear end sideways without picking the tires off the ground. The sound is disturbing to say the least. It also feels like traction is a bit of a problem with extra skipping and bouncing about when on rough road or accelerating.

This has never been a problem for the 2 years 40k that I've owned the truck. I am on origional tires and suspension. It seems like it happens more when turning into an incline. It also seems to happen less when I first start the vehicle up then when it has been running for a while. I should also mention that I 4k miles I had bearings and a pinion gear replaced.

The truck is 4x4, has limited slip rear. The tires are the standard 16" Generals that came with it.

I'm just looking for some advice as to what could be making this sound and where to start (ie. dealer, tire shop, suspension, other) in getting it fixed.

Thanks,

 

I will probably not be any help here, but what do your tires look like? Do they still have decent tread on them and do they look like they are wearing normally? As they lod tread they will sound different and react differently. Besides that I don't know what to tell you.

 

Sounds like it's time for a trip to the tire store. 40K on the Generals is probably your problem. You comment the problem is more after you first start up (cold tires) and when turning from a dead stop. The limited slip will force tire slippage in turns, and worn tires / cold tires have much less traction.

 

New tires, shocks, and change the differential fluid should make your truck better than new.

 

Check your tire pressure. If I get more than 3 lbs low I have that problem. Simple fix.

 

Does your truck have a Limited Slip rear? Your problem sounds like it could be:
1. need the rear diff fluid changed (with fricion modifier)
or
2. Your rear gears are broken. Unfortnately, limited slips, particularly Ford's, don't last forever....

good luck...