Wandering side to side condition

97Bird · 06-01-2007, 05:22 PM

I have a 1997 F250 HD 4X4 with a Dana 50 front end that I have just replaced all of the ball joints, axle u-joints and both tie rod ends. I then had an alignment done and it still wanders from side to side when you are driving. You have to keep adjusting your direction with the steering wheel. Not a lot but enough that you are always aware of it happening. The alignment shop asked if it pulled to one side because it was at the max setting for camber on the right side. They said they could change the bushing to correct the problem so I had that done. The steering wheel doesn't return to the neutral position if you turn the whel and then release it. Can the caster be set on these trucks? Anyone else have the same problem?

2.2 Straight six · 06-01-2007, 06:20 PM

sounds like a castor problem more than a camber one.

castor affects how a car/truck will stay going in a straight line when you're not turning the wheel.

camber is like grip in bends, as the car/truck rolls the camber keeps the tyres as close to vertical as it can. camber shouldn't affect handling when travelling in a straight line.

97Bird · 06-01-2007, 09:54 PM

Thanks, that's why I asked if the caster can be adjusted. I don't know if shims can be inserted between the springs and the axle housing to adjust the caster.

2.2 Straight six · 06-01-2007, 10:03 PM

if you can't adjust it on the stock suspension, you might be able to get top plates to adjust the castor angle.

i don't think camber would affect it wandering side to side, it sounds like you have positive camber, or you're very close to neutral castor, so the wheels follow bumps in the road and aren't held in place by the truck's forward motion.

unclebubbles · 06-01-2007, 11:41 PM

Have them double check the toe in, if the steering wheel isnt returning to center, it may not set right. Neutral or open toe can cause wandering, too much toe can cause darting. Also have them check the radius arm bushings, and the frame brackets. I fixed one a while back that was doing the same thing. It had been to the front end shop 4 or 5 times and still wandered.While doing some other work on the truck I noticed the bracket had been sliding back and forth almost 1/4 inch on the frame. They are riveted on, and the rivets were loose and the holes wallowed out. Welding the bracket to the frame and realignment solved the problem. Its worth a look, ive seen several since with loose brackets.

POST REPLY TO THIS THREAD