front axle

1993 FORD EXPLORER
350,000 MILES
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REDTHINK2
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a couple months back my friend jumped his truck being a stupid teenager and now his front end is canted in very badly he took it to a mechanic and the mechanic said that there is a center bushing I think that was destoyed my question is what specifically is the name of the part that allows the axle to pivot freely becase when it comes to vehicles I'm a do it yi yourselfer and I'm getting the truck for free and I need to order parts to replace please respond asap thank you. oh and the truck is a stock eddie Bauer editon 4.0 ltr v6 automatic 4x4
Apr 23, 2013 at 7:29 PM
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CARADIODOC
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There's a couple different front end designs. Any chance you can post a photo of the front axle. If it has the twin I-beam system it likely has weak springs. Ride height is critical in holding the wheels in proper alignment.

If a bushing is worn there will likely be some type of clunking associated with it. That isn't going to cause both wheels to suddenly tip in.

If you have the upper and lower control arms an alignment adjustment could have slipped.
Apr 23, 2013 at 10:12 PM
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REDTHINK2
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the axle is a standard dana 35 it's coil suspension set up.
Apr 24, 2013 at 5:37 AM
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CARADIODOC
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The numbers don't help. I just go by what I see in front of me. The Dana model number just refers to the differential housing. It may or may not have the tubes depending on whether it has a solid front axle or independent suspension.

If you have the twin I-beam suspension, which I don't think they used on Explorers, if the wheels are tipped in on top, you have a ride height problem due to weak or broken springs. If you have a solid axle housing you have bent ball joint studs. If you have the more common upper and lower control arms, more than likely the alignment adjustments have slipped.
Apr 24, 2013 at 1:33 PM
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REDTHINK2
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the axle is independent with coils and its not the standard ifs that is used today it looks more like a scissor type axle ill try to get a picture
Apr 24, 2013 at 4:19 PM
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