Got a f-150 2x4 and it sounds like something is loose when I go over bumps. Friend said it was broken 'strut plates' and to replace them and the shocks. I never heard of stut plates before in a shock configuration. Any ideas will help before I break it down? It's my only transportation.

Thanks.

 

Your truck doesn't have struts so don't waste you time looking for strut plates, whatever that is. It is probably your ball joints. They, as well as the tie rod ends and idler arm are high wear items on our trucks.

 

Thanks for the feedback. Is there a test I can run (without hanging on the fender at 40mph) to narrow the problem down? Or should I just take it to a suspension shop?

 

Yea, jack her up , look for visible signs of wear, check for wheel play and or anything else that's moving when doing so. Also turn your wheels/steering by hand/ grabbing the wheels themselves - Move from one side to the other while truck is in the air/engine off. You can do the joints and front end complete yourself if you have the ambition - Auto Zone has a 90 day tool loner program that doesn't cost you a cent . In-turn, this makes it cost effective if your mechanically inclined and have the time.

I had my front end re-done once by Ford. They did an awesome job, but had I known about the Auto Zone program, I would have went that route.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I am pretty good at the simple stuff, and will jack it up Saturday and see what I'm facing. AZone is close by too.

 

Yea, I just borrowed their clutch fan tool set. I had to give them $55 to borrow the set. Brought it back when I was done, - got $55 back. Pretty cool deal.

 

Lift the front of the truck completely off the ground. Grab a tire at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position and try to move it. If you can feel any movement, you have worn tie rod ends. Now grab it at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock position and try to move it. If you can feel movement you have worn ball joints. Do this on both front tires.

 

Jack the truck up, but keep the weight of the truck on the suspension. You can stick a large bar under the tire, and press up on it, and watch the ball joint to see if there is any play in it.

from the sound of it, it sounds like it will be lower ball joints, and maybe some otherstuff