What a lemon.. 1996 Ford F150

sounds like the wheel bearings. if they are loose they will also cause all sorts of brake/steering issues. i pounded my old Ranger hard for years and had very little trouble with it. dropped a 302 in it and the truck saw the rev limiter off road more times than i can count. jumped it, swamped it, you name it. one sore spot was the wheel bearings. cooked more than a few sets.