Driveline vibration

[FatDave]

Hey all,

I'm looking for some trouble-shooting tips.

I'm finding that sometimes (not all the time) when I'm in high-gear, the front end of my truck ('52 F-1 w/ 50 Mercury car flathead v8) will shake from left to right... at least that's how it feels.

I don't think speed has anything to do with it... and although I recently set the pinion angle, I'm confident that it's in the right place.

... Now, I know I've probably got some bushings that may need replacing, and it has no shocks... and these are all things I'm in the process of dealing with which probably add to the intensity of the shaking... but it still shakes.

I've been under there, tightening anything & everything I can see may be the issue and haven't solved my problem yet.

Does this sound like a motor problem? ... Tranmission? ... Rear Dif? ... U-joints? ... Front suspension? ... Loose bolts? ... Bushings?

I'm just hoping someone can narrow my search down a little bit... because other that this vibration things are good... but I'm a little paranoid to take it out too far from home.

thx
Dave

[Bassman/NZ]

Sounds like a combination of things to me, but I think installing some shocks is the first step.

[Vic Piano]

You're picking up bad vibrations... Could be any number of things, starting with age. I would guess that most, if not all, the suspension components are at least fifty years old. How about greasing the front end and see if that eliminates some or all of the vibrations... Check the king pins, etc. I had some bad vibrations in our '51 F-1 before I completely rebuilt it, the king pins has so much play that I assumed they were the major source of the vibrations. I'd recommend rebuilding the front end for starters.

[HOTRODPRIMER]

I think Vic nailed it,,look at the king pins first. HRP

[oldford2]

Originally Posted by Vic Piano

You're picking up bad vibrations... Could be any number of things, starting with age. I would guess that most, if not all, the suspension components are at least fifty years old. How about greasing the front end and see if that eliminates some or all of the vibrations... Check the king pins, etc. I had some bad vibrations in our '51 F-1 before I completely rebuilt it, the king pins has so much play that I assumed they were the major source of the vibrations. I'd recommend rebuilding the front end for starters.

Hey Vic,
You sound like my doctor. When I describe an ailment he always starts with " don't forget you are 70 years old and your parts may be wearing out" John

[Ford46]

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Sounds like front end issues to me. I would check all the front end components for wear. Have someone help you by moving the steering wheel while you check each component visually. To check some you'll need to jack it up, others not. Installing shocks is another must do, and you can also check the wheel balance. Just my thoughts. LouB.

[Frank The Plumber]

Well, my 05 van has a set of tires with 40,000 on them, they have about 10 to 15 patches in them, they have weird flat spots caused by the patches and weight and miles, it may be that your set of tires are funky, at different speeds a set of junk tires do all kinds of weird stuff, or maybe you have a flat spot on one of them, I jack the old girl up to winter so the tires dont collect flat spots. Jack one up and spin it and see how it runs around, hold something close to it thats stable while its spinning.

[George/Maine]

I have been having problem my 52 f1.This is what I have found so far.The drag link If you have it to "tight"
It will dart to left and right.Back it off 1 1/2 to 2 turns or till you can get a cotter pin in.I put new tires and had balanced,and toed in some.It was dragging right tire.This past weekend found out at inspection my right kingpin is no good.You should have shocks and there is a third one that may help.In 100 miles did a job on my new tires, wheel is angled bad.

[Mike51Merc]

Check/replace universal joints. Replace Transmission tailshaft yoke bushing.

[Karl Wolf]

Put rear axle on jack stands, run in gear... will elliminate some possiblities... Karl

[FatDave]

Yeah I've mainly been driving it to locate any little problems like this... (and because its fun).

You've all confirmed some hunches I've been having, and I appreciate it. I didn't think to grease it up, but I'm planning on doing all the bushings in the spring perches and steering components. U-joints are on the list of priorities as well.

I'm starting at the front and working my way back.

Thanks guys...

[Vic Piano]

John, that’s why I don't go to the Doctor..., they never have anything good to tell you.

[0rg0]

You know Dave, we never did go through the front end of that truck. I think we should get under there and give it a good check up.

[0rg0]

I wonder if the bias plys might have a little to do with it.

[FatDave]

A rebuild is in order for sure, and thank you all for the advice...

But to those with tail-draggers out there... is the rake of the truck possibly a factor.
It's got an estimated 5-inch rake. The reason I ask is because I had no problem in the fall when the truck was at stock height, since then it's been lowered about 8 inches in the back and 3 in the front.

I've heard conflicting views...

Shocks have improved the ride, but haven't solved the vibration problem.

[PeteVS]

Had a '51 Chebby years ago. It developed a "shimmy" in the front end and the old guy next door told me to put more air in the front tires. That took care of it!

[GreenMonster48]

Once you take care of the safety issues, check out the steering stabilizer on this page.

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fa/full.aspx?Page=78

[FatDave]

Originally Posted by GreenMonster48

Once you take care of the safety issues, check out the steering stabilizer on this page.

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fa/full.aspx?Page=78

That's really cool.
I've never seen that before.
It's on my shopping list now.

[G.M.]

Grease the "U" joint with at least 1 tube of low temperature grease. Also if not driven for a long time the tires have flat spots that take a fair amount of driving on hot roads to reduce or get rid of. G.M.

[hbleadsled]

Dave, I agree with Vic front suspension ,king pins are bad, rebuild your front end, you could lose control and hurt your self and that truck. because of bump steer and yes bias ply tires can make it worse. Harold, Ca.