1977 F250 - loose - junk tires - HELP!

[michaelbrainard]

Hey all..this truck in question is a 1977 F250 2WD with dual piston disk brakes..( larger kingpins...?) It currently has 33x12.5x16.5 BFG tires ( junk..need to be replaced) ...it is shreading the front right tire and the front left isn't a whole lot better. It isn't just cutting on one edge or the other...each lug is cupped a different direction. It isn't extreemly loose on the road but it will bob about a bit...I attribute that mostly to the overly large tires. There is an intermitant vibration...not just at high speeds but at all speeds..wheel bearing or just the stupid tires? I just bought the truck and realize I need to jack it up and check everything. I am assuming I need to go completly through the front end but I wanted to get some opinions before I get to crazy. I plan on dumping those tires and wheels and going to a 16 x 8 or 16 x 7...and going to more of an all season tire. This is going to be a boat towing rig so I need good highway tires. Any suggestions on what might be loose, and the best size of tires would be great!

[lobuck76]

The front ends are pretty easy to check out. Jack up each side and feel for play at kingpins. You kind of have to learn to distinguish kingpin play versus wheel bearing play. Have someone work the play at the steering wheel while you feel for loose tierods drag link etc. Check for play at the pivot bushings, where i beams attach to crossmember, it may take a long screwdriver or crowbar to check for slack.
radius arm bushing usually show visible wear if they are really worn or deteriorated.
tires and shock will help a bunch even if other parts are a little worn.

[jor]

I would just grease it, pack the front wheel bearings and replace the tires - then see what happens first. New tires can make a world of difference.
jor