Strange front suspension problem

[Slim]

I am trying to diagnose a strange suspension problem in what I believe is the front end of my truck. While i'm familiar with rwd vehicles, it's been a while since i've been in one that uses leaf springs in the rear and i've never had a truck with i-beams. I'm hoping those with greater experience can help.

Symptoms;

- when traveling on the freeway and driving over a pot hole with the left side wheels of the truck the vehicle will "shift" (steer) to the left slightly

- does NOT occur when driving over pot holes with the right side wheels

- no vibrations at any speed (up to 130 kph)

- only noticeable at freeway speeds, but effect is worse with higher speeds

- no clunking that i've noticed under any driving conditions (I say this because the Ranger isn't known to be a quiet truck)

- nothing appears wrong visually (ball joints and tie rod end boots not torn, no broken or bent parts - no obvious damage or wear)

- wheels spin freely when frame is elevated on a jack stands

I am suspecting the front end primarily because of the steering effect - primarily the outer tie rod end on the left side. Is there anything obvious that is common with 2wd Rangers that resembles this? I know the truck is high mileage (270K kms), but everything up to this point has been pretty good so i'm hoping for something minor. This truck is new to me and I don't know when it's had it's last alignment, however it does drive a straight line very well with no strange quirks.

Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[woodyedmiston]

What you describe makes me wonder if your left front wheel is not "toe'd out" a bit. Tow out causes instantaneous oversteer when the wheel sees some steering input - hitting the bump. It might not show up on visual inspection. This is not a Ranger thing, it is a common alignment thing. Some dirt racers actually toe out thier cars to induce that steering effect at the end of the straightaway and help throw the rear out and set the car in the corner.

You could have a slightly bent "something" in the front that would allow that effect and not show up as wear etc. Only your local alignment shop or a lot of tedious work with strings and jack stands can tell you for sure.

 

[Captain Ledd]

I had a somewhat similar thing with my '97. Turned out it was the shocks, basically they barely kept the wheels touching the pavement lol. I'd hit a bump and it would shoot me all sorts of places, though both of mine were bad.

 

[Slim]

Thank you both for your input.

I am planning on having an alignment done soon, so i'll be sure to mention it to the tech and have it looked into further.

I do wonder about the shocks, though. I have always felt this truck is a bit "bouncy", which would indicate poor shock condition.

I wish there was a more "sure fire" way to test a shock other than the old "bounce x times in x seconds" crap that keeps getting thrown around.

 

[Bryan22]

it's not crap. if your truck bounces more than once or twice without stopping you need new shocks. What's wrong with that method?