My 1997 F350 2WD has 134k miles and what I consider to be a lot of steering wheel play. I can feel the spline with the pitman arm has some side-to-side play when I have someone steer the wheel (when I put my hand on the box while I'm under the truck). At the steering wheel, this translates to 1-2" of radial motion in each direction. I'd like to eliminate, or at least minimize this slop because the truck can be a handful to keep straight, especially when towing a trailer on the highway. I daily drive an IS300 so that kind of play in my truck feels ridiculously sloppy.

I understand Ford trucks don't have the most wonderful steering even by truck standards but I want to get the best I can, but need to know if replacing parts is going to fix my issue, or if the issue is just my perception.

There's about a billion threads on what steering box to use, but I'd like to know how much steering wheel play I can expect to eliminate with a replacement box. I don't expect sports car response, but will a replacement gearbox get me back to at least a tight center spot while driving?

 

Tighten the steering box screw a full turn and see how u like it. It will still veer but the steering will feel tighter

 

I was always under the impression that was a preload adjustment and tightening it can cause a sector shaft failure when doing full lock turns?

 

Here is what I did with my truck. Scroll down to 4th or 5th post.
It made a huge difference with my truck and I am happy with the results. It is a bit expensive, but I am hoping it will last a long time.

I am sure you have already but check and make sure you don't have play in the steering shaft joints, tie rods, etc.

 

Maybe because I'm on my phone I'm not seeing a link anywhere. I'll check back tonight.

I just ordered new tie rods (inner and outer) as well as a remanufactured box. It's a 4 bolt box redone by a company whose name started with an L that had some happy recommendations in other threads. I just decided to dump all the old parts and start fresh. I'll post a follow-up when I get it all installed and if I think about it, a video of the steering before and after.

 

Nope, my bad. I forgot to include the link.
Here it is.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-question.html

 

I did read tour post but went ahead and bought a Lares box from Rock Auto. My lines are still good or I may have considered the E350 box you got. I haven't opened it yet but will tonight. I hope to start popping the tie rod ends tonight too.