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VIOLENT DEATH WOBBLE

910 views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  ArcticDriver  
#1 ·
I just bought a 1990 Ford F59 (8 Cylinders M 7.3L MFI Diesel OHV 444 CID 2WD with a solid drop I-beam (monobeam) front axle.

Driving it home I experience something I have never experienced in over 40 years of driving. The death wobble on this thing will destroy this truck if it happens too many times more.

So, clearly all of the front end steering, alignment etc...need to be touched. Since this truck has only 77K on it, I am sure nothing in/on the steering and axle has ever been replaced.

The first question I have is...How do I determine what the correct parts are that will fit this thing? I am having trouble trying to determine exactly what and where to get parts.

Thanks

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#3 ·
F59 is a cab chassis. Otherwise its similar to the “F-Superduty” of that era too. But parts are mostly backwards compatible up to 1997* model year trucks with 8 or 10 lug axles. Depends on which you have, as to my knowledge both options were available.

Good news, if it’s a mono beam, does it have T or Y steering? I’d recommend a beefier T style off the f-350 4WD models to use.

Y steering:
pitman arm to passenger side, no “draglink” technically speaking

T steering:
Pitman arm to drag link to tie rod. Tie rod is solid to both steering knuckles.

Pictures are helpful too! Please jack it up and simply visually inspect and check components by hand for play. It doesn’t have to be crazy to be a problem. Remember an 1/8” of play at the hub or steering knuckle is amplified at the contact patch on the ground!
 
#6 ·
You can find wiring diagrams and trace back wires and make your own loom.

Otherwise get a crank window regulator assembly, pop out door panel, pop out rivets and replace, then get a different door panel and re install. So yes, it can be converted. But nothing is cheap or free.
 
#7 ·
Nothing cheap or easy for sure. I am an electrician of sorts so it should not be too difficult unless it requires some funky tie in to the fuse panel and relays. I am finding these trucks are custom as ordered from the company that assembled them and there was a bunch of work for the bucket lift. on a separate note I see more abandoned wires than I would like but everything that needs to work....works.
 
#9 ·
I usually consider the term "Death Wobble" to be greatly exaggerated but with that boom & bucket moving your center of gravity up so high, I bet it really is a "Death Wobble".

Haha.

Great truck. Now that I am getting to old to climb ladders, I would love to find a truck like yours.