I have a 2000 Ford Excursion and my truck sways side to side when I am driving. It seems the faster i go the harder it is to control. It seems like whenever i compensate to go straight i have to almost immediately compensate in the opposite direction. I took it to a local shop and they told me my wheel hubs are fine, my tie rods are fine, and my gear box is fine. I also just replace all of my shocks. I am a college student that will be driving 15 hrs home with a trailer in two weeks and really need to fix this problem. Please Help!!!!!!!!!!!!
You may want to post in a different forum, either the brakes and suspension (ball joints are suspension pieces) or the Excursion forum.
Did your shop give you an answer as to what was worn on your Excursion? It seems out of line that they would look your vehicle over and not find a problem with the steering or suspension.
Older Fords had an adjustable steering box (or steering gear). You said "gear box" and I hope that they mean this part. I have adjusted these on both my 95 F150 with 225,000 miles and my 96 F250 with 165,000 miles. Usually this accomplished by loosening the jamb nut and turning the set screw at the top of the box in. A small amount of turning goes a long way, and improper adjustment can damage your steering box.
Also check for worn "rag joints" in the steering column linkage (if so equipped).
I was taught to either put the vehicle on jack stands or a lift and move each component of the front end and look for play in the joints. I try to replace any component that has play in it. Usually just jiggling the tires will make worn parts evident very quickly. Having a friend wiggle the tires while you examine components makes things much easier.
Take note of the wear of your tires. Excessive wear on the inner or outer extremities of the tires is proof that your vehicle needs an alignment. I have come to the conclusion that having a vehicle properly aligned is worth its cost due to prolonged tire life.
Please let us know if you solve your problem.
Thanks,
Jon