Front Right Vibration

Took a trip this weekend, and when the Winstar 2002, got up to about 60 mph a huge vibration started. This was more evident on accelaration and when going up hill. Using cruise control lessened the frequency, due to an even or less drastic "load" being placed on the tranmission/engine.

I searched here and got many different opinions. I hear none of the usual noise that would point to a CV Joint/ Drive Axle. I do see wear on the control arm (I assume that is what it is) that is attached at the top near the top of the tire on the "ball joint" area. 120K miles, we have had the car maintaine at a Merchant's but now I am not tructing them to do the proper job. We just had an inspection and they didn't see the obvious wear on this control arm, or what ever we (Ford) calls it.

Going to start getting into this but if I had some indication to narrow down a problem it would help. As in if we are thinking Drive axle, I will find all worn tie rods, control arms and replace them and the drive axle, since I am in there. If not I replace the worn items and test drive.

What do you think?

I'd start by checking the easy stuff, if you haven't already done so. Check the tires for balance. Inspect the tires carefully for belt damage or defects. Also rotate the tires to make sure the problem doesn't move with the tire.

I just returned from a trip where both my front tire developed a problem with the belts. The vibration was so severe that I feared my steering was about to fail catastrophically. Once I found that the tires were the problem, new tires for the front cured everything.

As you mentioned, the ball joints and tie rod ends could be an issue, and worn parts can contribute to a front end vibration. It can save you a lot of time and trouble to be diligent in your trouble shooting, and check the normal things first.