Feels like back end is coming out on curves to the left?

[turboplz]

So I've got a 99 Mountaineer AWD v8, just over 150k miles. Just picked up the truck a week ago and I have been going thru it to get it running perfect. I've come across a couple things, the front driveshaft is not there (not sure how long it has been like this, truck was a repo), front end links were bad and it needed a major tune-up. Now that I've had it out on the road for a bit, I have noticed that on sweeping curves to the left, the back end feels like it wants to kick out on me causing me to slow way down going into the curve.

Now when I am taking a curve to the right, the truck is planted. I know I need to do shocks, but there's got to be more to it than that. The rear end links look good, sway bar bushings aren't brittle. One thing it does need is a front end alignment, the truck really wants to pull to the left(newer 1-piece driver's side UCL, assuming they never got alignment afterwards).

I'm just not sure what direction I need to jump here. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[SoNic67]

If the bushings are ok - there is a fifth shock on rear that helps with end stabilization in curves. Now, it does it symetrically, but if yours is defective, it might be doing it asymetrically (one valve stuck open inside?).
I did replace mine after I did all other shocks and helped a lot on cornering.
Remember, the only thing that holds the rear in place in turns are the leafs. And those can twist, warp, move in bushings/shackles... Some "give" is by design and that shock is helping mitigating that.

 

[yavapaires]

You kinda have ME stumped on this one. I would check tire pressures, I run 30psi in my rear tires, then get the front end aligment. I do know front end problems can seem like there is a problem in the rear. But also could be a bad spring eye bushing on the right side. Jack up the right rear, and pry between the front of the spring and spring mount, see if there is movement. You will get a little, but should not be much. Hope this helps.

 

[yavapaires]

If the bushings are ok - there is a fifth shock on rear that helps with end stabilization in curves. Now, it does it symetrically, but if yours is defective, it might be doing it asymetrically (one valve stuck open inside?).
I did replace mine after I did all other shocks and helped a lot on cornering.
Remember, the only thing that holds the rear in place in turns are the leafs. And those can twist, warp, move in bushings/shackles...

On this, I have run mine both with and without the fifth shock. I could tell absolutely no difference in handling.

 

[wood1]

Guys, forgive me if I am misinformed but I am pretty sure I have read that if you remove the front drive shaft on an AWD the truck can still move while in park. Something to do with the coupling in the transfer case?

 

[eazyasone23]

im having the same issue. i changed the shocks all the way around. new alignment and still get like the truck is giving out on turns at a certain speed. all i can think about the left spring pack is loose.

 

[kert0307]

So I've got a 99 Mountaineer AWD v8, just over 150k miles. Just picked up the truck a week ago and I have been going thru it to get it running perfect. I've come across a couple things, the front driveshaft is not there (not sure how long it has been like this, truck was a repo), front end links were bad and it needed a major tune-up. Now that I've had it out on the road for a bit, I have noticed that on sweeping curves to the left, the back end feels like it wants to kick out on me causing me to slow way down going into the curve.

Now when I am taking a curve to the right, the truck is planted. I know I need to do shocks, but there's got to be more to it than that. The rear end links look good, sway bar bushings aren't brittle. One thing it does need is a front end alignment, the truck really wants to pull to the left(newer 1-piece driver's side UCL, assuming they never got alignment afterwards).

I'm just not sure what direction I need to jump here. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

FYI, on the AWD explorers if the front drive-shaft is out the parking brake won't work... make sure to use the e-brake when parked until you get it replaced.

 

[SoNic67]

On this, I have run mine both with and without the fifth shock. I could tell absolutely no difference in handling.

As I said, the fifth shock won't "fix" a wobbly rear end. Rear end it's hold in place (sideways) just by the leafs and their mounts. Also, a four leaf pack will be stiffer (sideways) than a single leaf. If the leafs are not hold "tight", they will warp in turns.Maybe more the one on the inside of the turn. I doubt that level of forces can be "checked" by eye/hand inspection.

On my Exp, even my wife noticed the difference in driving - she complained before about handling in turns.