I think maybe a rear arm is gone, other things to check?

[markp]

1998 Ford Expedition (AKA the urban assault vehicle) with 150,000 on the clock. I replaced the shocks about a week ago, figuring that would cure some of the handling ills with the vehicle (and it did) however now it has it in it's mind that it's not happy with a new set of shocks.

Latest behavior, even at idle plus speeds it feels like it is wallowing in the back, almost like there is one broken control arm. I have not gotten under there to look yet (I will in about 10 minutes.) However does anyone else have any ideas. The vibration seems to decrease with speed, but it just may be getting masked. Like I said, it feels like it is wallowing in the rear, even at 5-10 MPH, very pronounced shimmying feeling. I'm concerned because I know if the arms break it could be quite nasty for me (and that's coming from someone with a bunch of experience wrecking and racing). I like racing, prefer not to wreck!

Looking forward to your input. This thing is a mess, but it runs fantastic for a $2300 truck (motor seems solid). One last thing, it has been in a high salt environment it's entire life (Island of Guam), so I am expecting something broken/corroded beyond repair.

Mark

 

[markp]

Wow... I have never seen anything like this... the rear tires are so out of round!!! OMG they are hammered!

Everything else actually looks good, so hopefully with a suitable application of cash all will be resolved shortly!

Amazing how something so simple can make the vehicle feel so messed up!

 

[98EXPY 5-0]

I had a similar situation with my Dodge Ram. At low speed with my foot off the gas, the steering wheel would kick to the side for a second and back. At high speed it would shake, but everywhere in between, it was fine. Turns out, half of the steel belts had broken or something and the tire had a high spot that was half the width.

 

[markp]

I had a similar situation with my Dodge Ram. At low speed with my foot off the gas, the steering wheel would kick to the side for a second and back. At high speed it would shake, but everywhere in between, it was fine. Turns out, half of the steel belts had broken or something and the tire had a high spot that was half the width.

That's exactly what appeared to have happened on both rear tires. It was ugly... she runs straight and true with nearly no suspension ugliness. There are a few things I am sure could be tightened up (ball joints and tie rods) but they are all within spec.

So $700 later, all is good (tires ain't cheap on Guam).