1981 F100 Front Suspension - Ford Forums

11-30-2005, 07:01

My 81 does not handle very well despite no obvious problems. Any
suggestions such as where to start replacing parts or any available
upgrades.

Thanks,
Rusty

11-30-2005, 08:01

Have you jacked it up to look at it yet?

11-30-2005, 09:01

Yes
Only obvious thing I found was wheel bearings that needed tightning up.
That helped a little but there is still lots of room for improvement.

11-30-2005, 10:01

Stupid comments but I'm assuming you've tried the simple things such as
inflating tires, alignment, etc.

11-30-2005, 11:01

Yes

12-01-2005, 05:01

<rsmith@santeecooper.com> wrote in message
news:1133361317.894191.321040@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> My 81 does not handle very well despite no obvious problems. Any
> suggestions such as where to start replacing parts or any available
> upgrades.
>
> Thanks,
> Rusty
>

check the radius arm bushings where they mount to the frame. Bought a truck
from my father that had made it through two alignments with the cups pounded
out causing the front axle to move forward and back a 1/4"

12-01-2005, 10:01

Thanks, but those have already been replaced. I wonder if it could be
the king pins or just the sum of a high mileage front-end.

12-01-2005, 11:01

??? Kingpins???

Ball joints, or inner / outer tie rod ends, maybe, and alignment.

Your truck has an "inverted Y" steering. It can get sloppy if something's
worn out.
<rsmith@santeecooper.com> wrote in message
news:1133459619.451313.312620@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> Thanks, but those have already been replaced. I wonder if it could be
> the king pins or just the sum of a high mileage front-end.
>