Hello y'all i currently just on on a project 1995 F-150 XLT 5.0 and the suspension is really loose. What would y'all recommend to change first? i have taken it to a shop first thing to get a first opinion and am now here trying to get a second opinion. I have read many threads on here saying to check the gear box then to change the tie rod ends and then to check the ball joints. the mechanic said "Your suspension looks perfectly, Ball joints look good but just need grease, F-ing clean bro ... Yeah all you pretty much need is to grease them up. Also youre steering damper is loose." so i already fixed the steering damper. made no difference. what would yall recommend? please and thank you.

 

Consider having a friend rock the steering wheel back-n-forth rapidly until resistance is encountered each direction with engine off. Get underneath and watch each joint on the steering linkage for excess play - should be next-to-none. Not for just the tie-rod ends, but for drag links and everything between the steering box pitman arm through to the tie rod ends. Also, look to be sure the steering box isn't flexing with respect to its mounts. As far as a sloppy gearbox, some have success with adjusting the nut/screw on the box - I never could get improvement, either sloppy or too tight where the wheel didn't have a natural want-to return to center after a turn - had to manually roll it back.

How much confidence do you have in your mechanic? My ball joint check method is to raise the front until the tire is just off the ground, stick a regular shovel just under the outer edge of the tire, then lever up and down on the shovel while looking for movement at the upper and lower joints. Again, should be next-to-no movement.

May wish to have the alignment checked, as well as rotate the tires to see whether anything changes due to a weird tire.

Hope this helps.

 

First thing to change is MAINTENANCE. Follow the schedule, and catch-up anything that might be due or over-due.

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Never change any part unless it's due on the schedule, or it fails a published test.

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Not much to go on. You aren't sure what to do. A mechanic saysall is good but you say your suspension is loose. I have as much of a hard time trusting your words as you with the mechanic.

Maybe define what 'loose' is to you. If you aren't sure what to do or what you're looking at I'm curious if you know how the vehicle should feel compared to what you've been driving up to this point.
We do not know you an we don't have vehicle history to know what is 'wrong' with the truck.

I could tell you that you must change ball joints before you drive again, however what can I go on that makes that determination for me? See what I mean?

WDE up above makes a good point and Steve is straight to the point. In the end, neither of us can really tell you what parts to throw at it.

 

It isn't like the original steering. The steering wheel will not go back to its original position after turns. Im going to do an alignment once again in a few days. but the steering wheel has about 2-3 inches of play when the engine is off and no key in ignition. Sometimes the left turn signal will not activate. And from looking under the vehicle i notice that the parts seem to have been replaced and they look fairly new and dont seem to have much play in them when lifted and moved/wiggled back and forth. i know its hard to describe through text rather than physically seeing it. as i mentioned before, the steering damper did help but not entirely. ive gotten other opinions as well and its all the usual answers (steering box, ball joints, tie rod ends.)
also thanks everybody for all the responses.
I also forgot to mention that all fluids have been topped off.
the front and rear diff have been checked as well. But the steering wheel is still loose.

Please and thanks.

 

The new information is more helpful than "the entire system feels loose".
I can't remember which components contribute to failing to return.

It sounds like you need a helper though.....have the helper in the vehicle to rock the steering wheel back and forth so you can see which components have slop. I think steering box is first, correct? There is an adjustment screw on the box to reduce play but it sounds a little excessive to only be that. I've never adjusted it, but it was adjusted on my old 1993 once or twice the alignment shop. If I recall, they cautioned me not to have it adjusted frequently as it's got limited adjustability -or something like that. It is measured in inch pounds and should not simply be a turn of the screw without understanding the function.
From there check the steering linkage starting at the pitman arm. As the helper turns the steering wheel, something should NOT move if helper isn't forcing a turn, but only turning enough to take up the play.

The faulty turn signal is a good clue. Something in the steering wheel for sure has play, maybe before it even leaves the cabin.
I think the cover comes off fairly easily but I can't remember how the airbag works in a 1995....so proceed with caution there.
Ball joints shouldn't care about steering linkage.
Only tie rod and tie ride ends and drag link that I can think of. It has been a long long time since I've gone through the steering linking workings so I could easily be forgetting something. Ball joints, in my mind, would be suspension component, not steering, in the manner of which you describe the play.
If you have excessively worn ball joints I could easily see the driver having to counter steer to make up for the wheel on the ground not tracking solid, but that should not contribute to excessive steering wheel play when sitting still with no motor running. Especially if the ignition cylinder is not locked.
Does it bind ...... maybe the universal joint in the steering shaft is sloppy?

 

Caster has to do with steering not returning after turns . A reputable alignment shop should find your problem . Your mechanic sounds a little suspicious .

 

It’s all great information guys I really appreciate it, I’ll try all those options and update y’all.
but would it still apply the same to a quad shock f150 ?
and yes I’m aware of my mechanic, he is shady.
I will get it aligned first next week. But I’ll check for play in the parts today while I have someone move the steering back and forth. Als








I’ve applied some pictures so you guys can meet obsidian.

 

It looks funny seeing only one fuel door.

I liked that 2 tone paint scheme, my favorite at that time.
My door panels has the fabric in place where yours are leather and I didn't have carbon fiber switch covers.

I would save my money and not purchase front end components (who cares about safety), and put the money towards a good looking wheel.

The quad shock is the same front end aside from the shock tower. Nothing there should cause your drivability issues (that I can think of).

Is the front sway bar connected?
Does the truck have any sort of lift/level? Back in the day, Skyjacker (and maybe a few others) sold taller coils as a level. There are other options now that are more easily identified like a spacer.

 

No, it has no modifications done to it. I believe the only thing changed on it was the tires and wheels. Although i did drive it today to see what other information i can share with yall to better identify the problem and what i have gathered is that it tends to shake left to right lightly at 40 MPH and a little stronger at 45MPH whether you accelerate or deaccelerate, once you reach 50 or 60 it goes away. I hear the usual humming (wheel bearings), but it goes away when I let off the gas. I know enough about cars to know parts and what they do but i just cant seem to figure this truck out. It has had me scratching my head all week. and I haven't checked much of the components under the truck, i work everyday from early in the morning to late afternoon. I will check all the components when I have a chance. i will first check the sway bar and everything else yall have listed. also would yall recommend the alignment first ? I know it was mentioned to take it to a shop. but once again thanks yall for all the help.