Auto Parts: 79 ford bronco, 79 ford bronco, ford bronco

Question
QUESTION: i have a 79 ford bronco which the front end shimmies violently once approx 30 mph is reached. i have replaced all bushings,tie rods, tie rod ends, sway bar, drag link,Steering stabilizer, coil springs, shocks (front and rear)pitman arm wheel bearings, power steering gear box and power steering pump. after that was complete i had the front end aligned and had my wheels balanced twice since. and the shimmy still happens just as violently. what could be the problem? Am I just looking in the wrong place for the problem? I have 4 1/2" of suspension lift and 35"x12.5" mud tires. the problem existed prior to the lift and went away after the parts and lift were replaced but shortly after came back. please help

thank you
  James

ANSWER: Hi James,

Sounds like you need to add a dampener to the front end, or a double.

Also, how are the bushings in the radius arms? Even slight movements there with 35" tires could be seriously amplified by the time the input gets to the steering wheel.

Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
"Re-use is the best form of recycling" Help us recycle by purchasing used parts from us!
Looking for an ASE Certified shop near you? ASE Certified Technicians are the BEST of the BEST!
Click here: http://www.ase.com/bluesealsearch/locator.php

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: i replaced all bushings including the radius arm bushings less then a week ago. also the problem was happining before i placed the 35" tires on my truck and the shimmy is no more violent as before. and its not just the steering wheel that shakes its the whole front end of my truck, one bystandard walking said my tires went from side to side as it shimmied.

Answer
Hi James,

Ya got me dude. The way I'd figure it out is to have someone drive by YOU while it's acting up and YOU take a look at it instead of taking someone elses word for it. Let's face it, if someone said my wheels were moving back and forth and my steering wheel was straight as a priest on Sunday, I'd question them. If you replaced everything on the front suspension and you STILL have the issue, YOU need to be a little more diligent in the way you diagnose the problem. Replacing parts is not a cheap-fix. Have someone drive the vehicle past you while you take a good look at what is moving. I don't think I can be of much more assistance without actually looking at the vehicle with my own eyes.

Sorry dude.

Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
"Re-use is the best form of recycling" Help us recycle by purchasing used parts from us!
Looking for an ASE Certified shop near you? ASE Certified Technicians are the BEST of the BEST!
Click here: http://www.ase.com/bluesealsearch/locator.php