Drifting Front End

[RVTraveler]

Has anyone noticed that when traveling at 65/70 on the highway that you are constantly correcting and trying to keep the vehicle in your own lane. I notice sometimes that I have to constantly watch myself so that I am not drifting into the next lane. It doesn't pull to either the right or the left it just drifts. Wind is not the problem and I am wondering if it:
* Just needs a front end alignment
* Maybe I need to replace the steering stablizer

Any help would be appreciated

[rcobra]

Upgrading to a Rancho steering shock help mine.

[ptemplin]

When I had stock suspension stuff, I noticed that bumps would require correction. Now, only big bumps require correction.

Replacing the steering stabilizer is always a smart choice. I forgot to do it, and now I'm under financial control by the spousal unit. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

Alignment will definitely help. My steering wheel was off-center, so mine got an alignment a few weeks ago. Much better now.

[BigNorth]

Have I noticed,I live with it every day.60-75 mph my (00) X is all over the road. You realy have to pay attension.The truck has 50K on it now.I have changed all four corners to Monroe Reflex and a steering damper to the larger Rancho,and done a wheel alignment.The truck rides better but still has the drift.To tell you the truth theres no way i would let my wife drive the truck on the highway.
Is there any talk on the steering box being sloppy?

(00)Goodyear GSA,4"exhaust,K&N,

[Bruce1954]

I don't understand mine has been very stable pre and post upgrades on even pavement it was on bumps that if was very un-nervining prior to upgrades. My 2002 will go upto 1/2 mile hands off if the road is level and not full of bumps.
I would try a different "alignmet shop" one that does do work on Medium duty trucks also.
Good luck
Bruce

[Fordasaurus]

I have noticed that the X is sensative to the crown of the road but on flat roads it tracks perfect.

MA

[Texas Tank]

Mine drifted until a front end alignment at 8K. This made a world of difference. Now you just point and it goes straight. I do rotate and balance every 5K and have them check the alignment again. I got lifetime alignment so I just have them check it everytime. I'm very happy with the local Firestone shop that has been doing the alignment and balancing. It is very well balanced when they get done.

[fahlb]

I've noticed the drifting and my wife has been real vocal about it whenever she follows me or borrows the X. I took it back to the dealer a few thousand miles ago, and they went all through the balance, alignment issues (in accordance with the TSB Ford issued about this problem)and couldn't find anything wrong. Took it in again this week, and they found some play in the lower ball joints, which they ordered and will replace next week. I am hoping this solves it for me. I suggest you take your X back to the dealer and let him know your concern, and suggest he check it out per Ford's TSB. The TSB does give the shop several areas to check out, some of which I would not have thought to suggest.
Good luck with this one. This is a lot of vehicle to have moving around on its own!

[scottmatre]

Mine does it too... I think what we're all seeing is the limitations of the antiquated TTB front suspension that the X is fit with. This coupled with a leaf-spring located rear end makes it a handful on bumpy surfaces. One of the problems with the TTB suspension is extreme camber/caster/Toe changes through the range of motion of the suspension. The only real way to help alleviate this issue is to limit the range of motion of the front end. I.E. make it stiffer so that compression/rebound is reduced. IMHO, This is one reason why folks are seeing marked steering and stability improvements with a stiffer pair of shocks, or a heavy spring kit. I know that one of my first purchases will be a nice set of Ranco or Bilstien shocks. Then something for the rear (probably the Roadmaster units), Rear sway bar, etc...