unknown problem

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unknown problem

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Ford Forum >> Ford Trucks, Ford Vans & Ford SUV's >> Ford F-150 >> unknown problem

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unknown problem - 11/24/2004 6:29:53 AM

dtrek

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Joined: 11/24/2004
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1989 f 150 the tires on the right side front are wearing fast I mean in less then 3 weak. the side wall had wire showing we had the one tie rod replaced which looked bad and were also told that the gear box was lose don't believe there is a gear box any other idea what it could be when the tie rod was replaced they did not do a front end alignment stateing that due to the gear box being lose there was no point this will make 2 tires worn in under 4 Weeks tires are about 18 months old back ones seams fine

Post #: 1

RE: unknown problem - 11/25/2004 4:03:00 AM

94Flare

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Assuming that this is a 2 wheel drive truck, with the twin I-Beam suspension any good alignment shop will probably tell you that your beams may be bent. Toe-in is fairly easy to set because that is controlled by the tie-rod ends and how far they are threaded onto the tie rods. However caster and camber can usually be fixed by heating the beams an bending them back to their original shape and location...just being off a little can make a world of difference. However, if your gear box is loose then they are correct when they trell you that it will have to be repaired/replaced before the alignment can be done and done right. Also when you get the front aligned, you would do well to get a thrust angle alignment. That will set the rear wheels in a straight line with the front wheels, ensuring that when you drive down the road it wont look like your truck is going sideways or what is commonly reffered to as "Dog-Tracking". Gear boxes should be fairly available for that year, but use caution as most of them will likely be worn as much or more than yours. Rebuilt or new is usually the best way to go with steering components. And if you want to try to fix what you got, if you lok at the top of the gearbox you will see a small stud with a hex head on it sticking up with a jam nuts on it. if you loosen the jam nut you may be able to "tighten" the box up a bit, but this usually speeds up the wear on the box itself, but BE SURE TO TIGHTEN THE JAM NUT when your done. And try not to turn the shaft to many times becasue it will not make things better if you go overboard.

< Message edited by 94Flare -- 11/25/2004 4:04:59 AM >

(in reply to dtrek)

Post #: 2