1998 XLT wobble issue

[dkarten]

My Ranger has 219k, I’ve had some rusted frame areas repaired & it has New KYB shocks and rear sway bar bushings, both front hubs/wheel bearings recently replaced. Truck drives ok but when it hits certain types of uneven pothole filled road it occasionally starts “wobbling”, if I don’t slow down it gets worse, when I do slow down it stops wobbling & drives fine, I don’t see any bushings in front obviously worn & thinking about replacing sway bar mounts & bushings with polyurethane type, I did that on my Econoline & it improved the ride, any suggestions?

 

[Uncle Gump]

Ball joints...

Support the lower control arms with all the weight off the front wheels. Give the tire a serious wiggle. It sometimes helps for someone to look while the the other wiggles.

You can also leave it on the ground while someone turns the steering back and fourth while looking for worn bushings or ball joints.

 

[Bgunner]

Loose steering or suspension parts are the usual cause for wobble. Tie rod ends (inner and outer if you have a rack in it, drag link ends if no rack and pinion) ball joints.

On solid axles the track bar ends can cause the wobble also but a stock '98 Ranger doesn't have these.