My 99 Ranger 2WD w/ 160,000 miles is experiencing a vibration in the front end at about 60 to 70 MPH. I have installed new brakes/rotors/bearings on the front end, brakes were due. It has new tires, BFG Longtrail T/A, as of a month ago. My local mechanic has given me a scenario that if I turned the front end by hand (while on jacks) without using the steering wheel that the rack & pinion would become airbound and this causes a vibration during speeds above 50 mph. He said as I drive it the air would work it's way out. It has been sometime since I performed the brake job, and I still have a vibration.
I'm waiting to get the truck from the body shop as a deer made a hood ornament of itself. When I do, I'm going through the front end and checking all steering components for wear and such.
Any suggestions as to where/what is causing the vibration would be appreciated. PS> I am taking it back to the tire shop to check the wheel balance just in case.
Thanks, FR

 

I'd start by re-balancing (or rotating) the tires. If that doesn't help, it's time to check the ball joints, bushings, and tie rods. Bad shocks can cause that too. A bad rack is less likely, but also possible. If it's all original, it's probably time for some parts.

 

I agree with go2fast, rotating tires is a good start. It eliminates the chance you may have lost a tire weight. Put both fronts in the back and both backs in the front. If the shake moves to the back, you have found the culprit.