97 V6 2WD, second owner since 45k miles, my only RWD vehicle

I bought new tires. The shop said I need a new steering box. I am not saying the shop said a lie. I just want to be convinced.

I suppose steering would get loose with bad steering box. But there are other parts like tie rod ends, idler arm, pitman arm. Do I know steering box is bad when all check out ok and steering is still loose?
Thanks.

 

I would start by checking all of my tie rod ends(inner and outer) for play, check upper and lower ball joints on both sides, check the idler arm and pitman arm and also check the centerlink. Also check your front wheel bearings for play...make sure they are torqued properly. Its a lot easier to do this with two people also. If you need step by step on it, let me know bro and I'll help you however I can.

 

On a side note, I just had to replace my idler arm and pitman arm as the joint on the end connecting to the centerlink was very sloppy. When I had one front tire jacked up I tried to move it left to right (as if it was turning to the left or turning to the right) and the wheel was moving about 2 inches or so while the other one was stationary on the ground. I had my son move the wheel while I looked underneath, and the centerlink was movin like $2 hooker on nickle night.....I traced it to the idler and pitman. and yes, the pitman arm was kinda a pain in the rear....took lots of pressure and a little heat to remove it. I have 166,000 miles on my truck and it amazingly still has the factory steering box. It does have a little play in the steering wheel, but not at the wheels them-selves. I cannot see a steering box affecting your alignment....only idler, pitman, tie rods, ball joints, or wheel bearings....

 

Thank you. I will check the other parts first as you suggested. After all, the steering box is the most expensive.

 

i would bet money the shop got it wrong.. arm, bushings, ball joints are more suspect.

 

I think that most shops now are just lookin for quick money from a customer that doesn't know whats goin on. Sadly it happens to alot of people all the time.

 

I haven't looked at it but at one time, steering boxes were adjustable to eliminate some play. If I recall, you just tightened a bolt, or there was something you tightened.

At one time it was common for those boxes to wear, and this was an inexpensive way to get more life out of them until you had to replace it.

 

Thanks for the tips. It will take a while to check all those (F150 is not my daily driver). I will report back.