SEVERE front end shake. HELP QUICK!!

[howardtm]

Been a while Guys..but have a severe problem with my E550 Beastie. It has to be something in the front suspension assembly and need advice quick before shop opens in about 2 hours! Started last night ...hit a hard bump and the steering wheel shook VIOLENTLY...nearly uncontrollably until Imanaged to pull over and come to a complete stop. Pulled back onto the roadway..fine for a while ...hit another bump...not as hard as the first and the shaking hit again...only it seemed worse...more violent. I limped into the Flying J, about 2 miles down the road and stopped for the night. Am now sitting in front of a shop who supposedly does front end work. I HAVE to get this fixed before finishing my run and going home but, as usual, am short of money...can't afford to replace things that aren't broken. I did notice that the steering "tie rod" that connects both wheels is loose at the ball joints...I can move it by hand where it was tight before..not side to side, but more of a front to back twist movement. Everything seems intact...doesn't look like anything is missing. Need recommendations...ball joints? Tie rod end(s) Thanks, Howard

[Dave]

A loose tie rod can cause that. ball joints can as well. Welcome back Howard havent seen ya in a while

[Lonno]

Tie rods aren't helping, you probably need a steering dampner also.

[SCUFFY828]

howard you rproblem is probably coming from the tracking bar /panhard bar that attaches from the frame down to the front end , you said it only does it when you hit a bump,and doesnt quit till you stop the truck, replace that bar and i bet that fixes your problem

[howardtm]

Thanks Scott..also I grabbed ahold of the tie rod and it moves quite easily front to back..no apparent play side to side. I called the stearlership..almost 300 for the rod ends, and another 300 for the link...said it comes as a complete assy. I only have about 250.00 max right now...a bit more if I rob from some bill pay money.

[SCUFFY828]

i would replace the track bar first , a little wear on the tie rod end will not cause the violent shake you are referring to

[howardtm]

Also..would there be a quick, short term fix that I could do cheaply that would hold for a short time?

[howardtm]

Know where I could get on at a REASONABLE cost??

[SCUFFY828]

no short term fix and probably not an aftermarket item

[howardtm]

By the way Scott...forgive my ignorance here but I visually examined the entire bar...couldn't find anything loose, bent or broken...how does the whole thing go bad?