Ford hasn't used the Twin I Beam for many. many years.
If the OP is referring to a condition that causes a steering wobble after a sharp bump or going over railroad tracks, this is a condition very common in ANY straight axle design. Jeep has had this issue forever, and still does, and it occasionally shows up in Ram trucks also. Caused by a number of things, most dealers aren't aware of the fixes as they are narrow minded and only look at OEM parts and pieces.
One of the biggest culprits is the Steering Stabilizer. Short answer is that the OEM one is too weak (read cheap $$ to manufacture) and barely adequate. Replace the stock one with a Bilstein 5100 Stabilizer. Bolt in replacement, takes about 20 minutes, and the difference will amaze you. The other thing that needs to be checked is Strut rod bushings. If there is any movement whatsoever, replace them. Also ~ do not replace with stock OEM. Go to the off-road aftermarket such as Rancho and get their Delrin impregnated high strength bushings. Also ~ the alignment must be within specs. Have a good alignment person do it. Yes, I know that almost all the newer machine are computerized but a good tech knows where to "tweek".
Again ~ this is NOT simply a Ford issue. It's the tradeoff inherent with having the strength of a solid axle design. I put the Bilstein on mine when it had 3000 miles. Now, at 72,000, I'll probably replace it this year as I can just start to feel a little bit of "kickback" on some bumps. I'll also check the bushings and replace them if there is any play. FWIW, the stabilizer is available on line for about $90-100 and the flat rate labor to replace it is .4 Hours (about 25-30 minutes).
2011 f350 drw, 40,400 MILES 2ND SET OF TIRES. Ford can not get the shaking/wobble out of it, blames it on the tires. Going back to dealer Monday for them to try and find a fix for it. Yes it is a Ford problem, Firestone checked tires and think it is a out of balanced left front axle, put in 4 wheel lock/drive and steering is great but fuel mileage is bad.
Would love to hear from others with this problem.
Not sure if you are talking about the infamous Ford "death wobble" or not (which happens on Rams as well), I just got my F-450 fixed.
Find a shop that is familiar with the problem. It's the ball joint at the end of the track bar that's generally the problem. The shop put the truck on the rack (a rack that holds the frame so the wheels are dangling) with one tech in the truck and the other underneath, the tech moved the steering wheel while the tech underneath looked for ball joint flex. You can't easily see the flex with the truck on the ground. They got the replacement part at Ford (who had lots in stock, a sure sign that it's a problem!).
While the damper could be the problem, it's probably not, my home mechanic suggested it, I'm glad I took teh truck to a shop that knew about the issue.
Al ~ I'll agree on the track rod bushing, that's the one I was referring to. However, do yourself a large favor and replace the stabilizer too with the Bilstein. Results will surprise you.
Ford hasn't used the Twin I Beam for many. many years.
If the OP is referring to a condition that causes a steering wobble after a sharp bump or going over railroad tracks, this is a condition very common in ANY straight axle design. Jeep has had this issue forever, and still does, and it occasionally shows up in Ram trucks also. Caused by a number of things, most dealers aren't aware of the fixes as they are narrow minded and only look at OEM parts and pieces.
One of the biggest culprits is the Steering Stabilizer. Short answer is that the OEM one is too weak (read cheap $$ to manufacture) and barely adequate. Replace the stock one with a Bilstein 5100 Stabilizer. Bolt in replacement, takes about 20 minutes, and the difference will amaze you. The other thing that needs to be checked is Strut rod bushings. If there is any movement whatsoever, replace them. Also ~ do not replace with stock OEM. Go to the off-road aftermarket such as Rancho and get their Delrin impregnated high strength bushings. Also ~ the alignment must be within specs. Have a good alignment person do it. Yes, I know that almost all the newer machine are computerized but a good tech knows where to "tweek".Again ~ this is NOT simply a Ford issue. It's the tradeoff inherent with having the strength of a solid axle design. I put the Bilstein on mine when it had 3000 miles. Now, at 72,000, I'll probably replace it this year as I can just start to feel a little bit of "kickback" on some bumps. I'll also check the bushings and replace them if there is any play. FWIW, the stabilizer is available on line for about $90-100 and the flat rate labor to replace it is .4 Hours (about 25-30 minutes).
Huh...I guess I learned something new today. Thanks. I guess this tells you how long I have been out of touch with Fords...Thought I would look into it just the same. Apparently, the Twin I-Beam went out in 2002.
https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hmn/2008/06/Ford-s-Twin-I-Beam-Front-Suspension/1641228.html
Thanks, she goes in the shop (dealer) on Monday. I have information now to pass on and request the parts "I" want, maybe they will listen but again it is one ESP contract.
Al ~ I'll agree on the track rod bushing, that's the one I was referring to. However, do yourself a large favor and replace the stabilizer too with the Bilstein. Results will surprise you.
Thanks Vaughan. I tend to be a "cheap Irishman", after the track bar repair I have absolutely no wobble even with 160K km. (100,000 miles) on the truck, the damper will get replaced if some minor wobble returns.
Just for the poster, my experience with the death wobble was that it was much worse after doing a full lock turn, that seemed to loosen the bushing.
Such a sad update to the F350. Wobble got to the wife as she was afraid something is going to break. Went by the RAM dealer and they told me everything is looking good and our new 2017 RAM 3500 Laramie, LB, DRW, CUMMINS DIESEL, one good thing missing is the moon roof, with airbags, will be in the drive way Monday.
To add insult to the good our 2015 Buick that has been sitting a few weeks just had to have a dead battery as we started to church, thanks for a battery charger, we are having a great day.
