F 350 4WD Pickup V8-7.3L DSL (1988)
The following is an overview of the action to be taken:
Procedure is as follows:
1.
Inspect Front End for Loose, Damaged or Abnormally Worn Parts. Areas to check are:
A.
Front Suspension Components
^
Radius arm and bushings
^
Axle and axle pivot bushings
^
Axle pivot brackets
^
Front shock absorber
B.
Steering Components
^
Drag link and tie rod ends
^
Steering gear
C.
Wheels and Tires
^
Wheel bearing end play
^
Wheels
Refer to 1988 Light Truck Volume "A" Shop Manual for inspection procedures.
Tighten any attachments found lose and replace items as required.
2.
Inspect Frame Liner for Cracks
1.
Remove steering gear from truck. Refer to 1988 Light Truck Shop Manual Volume "A", page 13-41-5.
2.
The part of the frame that the steering gear is attached to is called the liner. Inspect the liner for cracks in the area of the rear steering gear
mounting bolt hole. The crack starts below the mounting hole and will continue up and above the mounting hole.
3.
Inspect the welds that hold the crossmember to the frame for cracks.
4.
If cracks are found, call the National Service Hotline on 1-800-826-4694 for further direction. If no cracks are found, go to the next step.
3.
Replace the Rivet that Holds the Liner, Crossmember, and Frame Together
1.
While looking at the frame liner from the gear side, look, to the lower left of the liner where the liner and crossmember flange meet the frame.
