Hello to everyone.

My '97 F-150 has lost the handling it used to have. When the truck was newer it would hold the road rock steady. However, it now requires constant minute adjustments and corrections of the steering wheel to maintain the intended line.

The truck currently has 80,000 miles on it. The original shocks were replaced with Monroe Sensa-Tracs at 50,000 miles, plus or minus. (The bushings on the Monroe shocks were much smaller than the bushings on the stock shocks.)

I had the lug nut recall performed at the local Ford Dealer at 60,000 miles. They replaced the original lug nuts with new ones and simultaneously removed the wheel-centering O-ring. The new lug nuts did not have any mechanism for centering the wheel. As a consequence, the handling and ride were significantly deteriorated. I have subsequently obtained and installed new O-rings and the handling and ride have improved.

I rotate all 5 tires every 5,000 miles. Approximately 25% to 50% of the original tread life still remains.

I have experienced similar "floating" feelings in the steering of other Ford products in the past. Is there any explanation or cure for my current handling problem?

Thanks in advance for any help in this matter.

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'97 F-150 4x4 Super Cab; XLT 139" Wheelbase Flairside; Silver Frost Clearcoat; 4.6L. (Romeo); 4-spd Automatic Transmission; Preferred Equipment Package 507A; 3.55 Limited Slip Axle; Electronic Shift 4x4; California Emissions; Sliding Rear Window; Trailer Towing Package; Off-Road Package; 6-Way Power Driver's Seat; Remote Keyless Entry/Anti Theft; 6-Disc CD Changer; Ford Bedliner; Ford Running Boards; Ford Nose Mask; Roll n Lock Tonneau Cover.

 

wilywilky: For some reason the new 97 thru 00 Ford trucks seem to be critical with front end alignments. Might be their short/long arm suspension is sensitive to changes in adjustments, many have been knocked out slightly out of kilter just transporting the truck on the car carriers to the dealer! (Thus claims my dealer's service mgr, and I halfway believe him, he is a good one) If you have not had it aligned, find out who in your area does a good job on these types of trucks. This probably won't be some Quicky Lube place, but a shop which specializes in front end work. Get a quality job, it is worth it. Just my .002 j.b.

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99 SC Sport, Silver color everywhere, 4.2 auto,3.55 rear gear, split bench, stock AM/FM @ 2 cheesy speakers w/Ford brand bedliner. Keep'n stock from the factory because we love it for what it is...One fine ride!

 

j.b.

Thanks for the input regarding the front wheel alignment. I am going to pursue this course of action. The hardest part will be finding a competent alignment shop with technicians that do quality work.

Thanks again.

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'97 F-150 4x4 Super Cab; XLT 139" Wheelbase Flairside; Silver Frost Clearcoat; 4.6L. (Romeo); 4-spd Automatic Transmission; Preferred Equipment Package 507A; 3.55 Limited Slip Axle; Electronic Shift 4x4; California Emissions; Sliding Rear Window; Trailer Towing Package; Off-Road Package; 6-Way Power Driver's Seat; Remote Keyless Entry/Anti Theft; 6-Disc CD Changer; Ford Bedliner; Ford Running Boards; Ford Nose Mask; Roll n Lock Tonneau Cover.

 

FYI

I took the truck to a front-end shop called Providence Automotive Engineering for an assesment of the wandering steering and an alignment, if necessary. They informed me that both lower balljoints were worn out, and that they would replace them for $300.00.

Since I have the ESP extended warranty I elected to take the truck to the local Ford dealer. I told the Service Manager the situation and asked him to evaluate the front end. He subsequently informed me that both tie-rod ends were bad and would be replaced under warranty.

Two things I don't understand. First, how can two automotive repair shops have completely different diagnoses of the same problem? Second, why can't Ford build the suspensions strong enough to withstand normal wear and tear? This vehicle has been driven off-road perhaps 100 miles, maximum. The only other consideration is that the roads here in Southern New England are typically in rough shape due to the repeated freeze-thaw cycles we have in the winter.

Have any of my fellow F-150 Online members had similar experiences with the tie-rod ends or lower balljoint? Thanks for any input. WilyWilky

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'97 F-150 4x4 Super Cab; XLT 139" Wheelbase Flairside; Silver Frost Clearcoat; 4.6L. (Romeo); 4-spd Automatic Transmission; Preferred Equipment Package 507A; 3.55 Limited Slip Axle; Electronic Shift 4x4; California Emissions; Sliding Rear Window; Trailer Towing Package; Off-Road Package; 6-Way Power Driver's Seat; Remote Keyless Entry/Anti Theft; 6-Disc CD Changer; Ford Bedliner; Ford Running Boards; Ford Nose Mask; Roll n Lock Tonneau Cover.

 

So much for "Ford Tough"

 

The reason for two different diagnosis. Now remember this is my personal opinion. Alot of front end shops/tire stores repair vehicles based on what parts they sell and what repair will bring in the most money. Being a technician in a dealer I see this all the time. For example the customer states " the guy at (insert tire store name here) told me my anti-lock brake module is bad and I have to take it to the dealer to be fixed. Oh by the way they did the brakes at all four wheels and the light didn't go out. So then I diagnosis it and low and behold it needs a rear diff. sensor. I believe that this is part of the problem. But don't get me wrong there are alot of good aftermarket shops and alot of bad dealers.

 

FYI

My local Ford Dealer replaced both, left and right, inner and outer tie-rod ends and the left pitman arm.

Total cost in money: $50.00 deductible with Ford Extended Warranty Plan.

Total cost in aggavation: Much to much.

I brought the truck in for the service on the appointment date. Returned to the Dealer at the time when the work was to have been completed. "Sorry, but we didn't have time to work on your truck. Come back another tommorow, and Ford ESP will provide you with a rental."

I returned the next day and left the truck. Ford ESP did provide the rental car.

Returned the following day to pick up the truck. Work has been completed, paid my money, and went to my job. The dartiness in the steering is gone, however the steering is no longer centered. Running through snow and puddles the right front wheel is pulling the truck hard to the right.

Called the dealer and complained about the front-end being out of alignment. Dealer rep says come back and they will check out the alignment and realign, if needed. I made the appointment.

Returned to the Dealer at the appointed time and told the "Service Manager(s)" about the steering wheel being off-center. "Service Manager(s)" said the truck would be checked for alignment. I went for a long dinner nearby to kill the time waiting, and when I returned, "Service Manager(s)" said the alignment wasn't required when replacing the parts mentioned previously. I could only respond, agitatedly, that the front end is out of alignment, where it wasn't prior to the service.

Eventually, the "Service Manager(s)" agreed to realign the truck. The mechanic re-centered the steering wheel and corrected the toe-in. After a two hour wait this ordeal was over. As I was leaving the "Service Manager" told me to smile!

Anyway, the front-end is now fixed. The truck now holds the intended line, the steering wheel is centered and no longer pulls when going through snow or puddles.

Alls well that ends well. Right!!!

 

last fall, my left outer tie rod end fell out completely. while I was driving. $77 bucks, plus alignment & towing.

No warning, just a "clunk", and it was dragging on the road. You could still drive the truck, (slowly), too. It didn't get all twisted up, like I thought it would.

Ford dealer seemed not too interested in my unusual problem.

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'97 S/C XLS black/silver 157" WB, 4.6/auto, 3:08, home made custom tube grille, terminator muffler, phantom sweep wiper switch(factory installed), a few billet aluminum goodies (the list grows), airbox mods, TPS tuned
email: bazils@hotmail.com