2001 Sport Trac handles funny when going over bumps in the road

[KHE]

Attempting to diagnose my friend's 2001 Sport Trac - When on a curve in the road and going over a bump, the truck jerks to one side or the other and requires correction to the steering wheel.

I checked the ball joints, tie rod ends, steering shaft and all seemed OK. There appeared to be some slop in the steering linkage to the rack but when the steering wheel was held tight against the lock, no slop was present.

I then jacked up the rear of the truck and attempted to rock the tires using the 3:00-9:00 and 6:00-12:00 positions and they were tight.

Is there anything I may be overlooking?

 

[Joe Dirt]

Shocks. Hit a bump, they don't rebound as fast, thus the jump-overcorrect problem. There will be a little bit since it's lighter in the rear, but shouldn't be that bad.

If they have over 45-50k, they're probably shot. If they have over 75k, they're gone. Don't try a bounce test, that doesn't work very well any more. Last 3 Ex's I put shocks on passed the rebound test with one bounce, but after removing them could be pushed in with one finger on top of the shock. 170,000 miles on the things...

 

[swshawaii]

Totally agree on changing the OEM shocks. Inadequate from their born date.

Sport Tracs are notorius for "bumpsteer" issues and top heavy roll tendencies.

Upgrading shocks, rear anti sway bar, front end links, and tires, will transform this vehicle into a nimble beast.

 

[ncranchero]

Aloha Steve! You've been way too quiet lately!!

 

[swshawaii]

Hi Steve! You seem to be on every online Ford forum.
Hope these people appreciate your invaluable help and knowledge.
Truly priceless! Happy Holidays and thanks for everything. Aloha Bro!

 

[KHE]

Thanks for the tip on the shocks. I'll probably just replace the shocks.

 

[kigidy]

I have the same exact problem with a 03, changed, shocks, front lower ball joints, rear sawy bar links, and still have same issue, I am now changing front sway bar links, and sway bar bushings, hoping this will help but, im getting frustrated. Worried for this to happen in snow while my wife is driving, are there any more options, ive replaced everything with moog parts and monroe sensa trac shocks. Also over regular bumps, it feels like the bed shimmys left to right.

Any ideas?

 

[kigidy]

MY truck only has 60000 miles on it.

 

[KHE]

New shocks solved the issue with my friend's truck.

 

[LONO100]

new shocks! new shocks! new shocks! if you are still on the stock ones, you should switch it up.

 

[kigidy]

I replaced my shocks already, monroe sensa tracs, IS it possible to overtighten the shock nut? Could this be my problem, or is it that this is the first truck ive owned, or first vehicle with rear leaf springs, and shocks instead of struts, and I just dont know how it really should drive? You guys tell me. Im about ready to sell it and I just bought it.