Tinkering

OK, here's the latest tinkering that I need/want to do to ease my mind on my 92 max. When I start it, it is almost like the battery is low, that is: it cranks ssssllllooooowwwwww, but runs great after that. Is that just the nature of these trucks? If so, let me know - also, does anyone know where I can order/obtain after market body parts? My hood has the usual dings etc and I am thinking about replacing it. One of the pick a parts here in San Antonio has 2 D-50s, but they are pretty picked over. I would like to keep it as stock as possible. I will post photos some day. Oh yeah, one last thing, when I am stopping and I apply the brakes at about 40 mph the truck shakes side to side, but only sometimes and whether or not it is in neutral is irrelevant - it isn't warped rotors and I just had the front wheels balanced, so what else could it be? Oh, and there is no power steering either.

Thanks!

It could be that some of the front suspension parts are worn out. Tie-rod ends, ball joints, control arm bushings. They all wear out and they can all add to that shake you feel when braking.

A good front-end shop (not Wal-Mort or PerpBoys) can do a diagnostic on the front end and let you know what needs to be replaced. It might cost you about $50 for the diag. Autopartspeople.com has almost all of the parts you need to rebuild the front end. I just did my '95 MM. Fairly easy if you are mechanically savvy.

Hi,

Check your battery cables and connections and have your battery tested. If everything is okay, your starter is probably at the end of its life.

Worn or loose wheel bearings could also cause your braking problem.

John