I was wondering if any others out there with a '97 4x2 F-150 Ext. Cab has had their outer tie-rod ends fall off. Mine did after only 57,800 miles. Dealer told me they didnt need grease for 100,00 miles and he would put fittings in later. Well poor dumb me, that is toooo late, but auto parts store here doesnt carry the outer just the inter so had to go to dealer and guess what no fittings there either so gave it a needle. Drives alot better now but afraid to drive it they say its ok but they did before also. Thanks

 

That sounds like the tie rod went bad and fell apart all at once. Usually when they wear out you will notice it in the steering wheel and your tires might wear unevenly because your tire is flopping around like a shopping cart wheel.

-Jon

 

Back in march I had the right front outer tie rod break while leaving work. It had been a long winter and the potholes were really bad this year, as well as one jolt on a curb that I can think of stopping in the snow that probably doomed mine. Truck had been feeling a little sloppy on the road, but nothing too unusual. No odd tire wear either. Of course, the whole assembly bent when it broke, requiring the inner and outertie rods and sleeve to be replaced. Just grateful it didn't happen at high speeds. Felt like the truck had a flat tire when it happened.

Dealer (a Ford Truck Dealer - light through heavy duty) commented they have seen many of the high mileage 150's with similar issues, and had done a ton of replacements for similar items on Superduties - primarly trucks used in snow plowing service (see the long winter comment again!)

For being the 1st major repair in 120,000 miles, I am not going to complain (too loudly).



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1997 F150 XLT, Flareside , Moonlight Blue, 4x2, SC, Auto, 4.6L, 3:08's, Cargo Cover by Century, Penda bed liner, Blue Oval reciever hitch plug, Driver Design bug deflector, Monroe Reflex Shocks, 235/70/16 Firestone Wilderness AT's, sliding rear window, captain's chairs, Valvoline Durablend Oil, Purolator Pure One Oil Filter, 280 lbs. of traction sand (ahh, winter in the great white north! ), and 119,000 miles and counting!

 

Thanks for the mail, but mine has only 57,800 miles and then no sign of problems. If I can only make it to 100,000 miles would be a blessing. I not only had no signs of trouble but it just fell off with no signs of wear, mmmmmmmmmmm think they could make things just a little better. Been six (6) days and no mail from Ford about this but never know these days. Thanks again good trucking.