I just purchased a 99 F250 Superduty 4x4. Very low mileage (63000). Everything on this truck is great except the steering.
I flat towed a 73 VW Bug about 100 miles and it was the most white knuckle drive of my life. Couldn't take both hands off the wheel without the whole truck starting to wander all over the road.

Before I take it in to have the alignment checked and get told that every single part under the front of the truck needs to be replaced, I'm wondering if this is a "common" problem with this truck that others have encountered. One person has already told me to just replace the front hub assemblies, the tie rods, and the steering gear box and all will be well. I'm hoping all those parts don't actually need to be replaced - especially since there are only 63K miles on the truck. Tie rods seem solid with no play. Not sure about steering gear or unit bearings.

Would appreciate any input or suggestions on prior discussions to read. Thanks.

-Vinny

 

At 63,000 it is likely that you need ball joints.

Also, you learned why flat towing isn't a great idea. The tow setup outs almost no tongue weight on the truck, which creates unpredictable handling.

 

My '04 felt like it was in a cross wind all the time, the wander was terrible.
It was ball joints..

 

Put someone in the seat to move the steering wheel slightly back and forth while you are underneath the front looking for parts that don't move when they should. Checking ball joints require a jack and crowbar.

I'm still on my original ball joints at 180,000 miles but that is on Florida roads, no pot holes and all sand when off road.

 

tires are also a problem with ball joint failure. If you run oversize tires that puts a strain on parts like that . If you need to change any steering parts its a good idea to get some heavy duty ones.

 

Just a little play in the balljoint that attaches to the pitman arm will give you a pretty good wander. Grab it with a pair of channel locks and squeeze it together. If it moves slightly it needs replacement.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. I did put 4 new tires on it the day I brought it home. Stock tire size. I will check the ball joints. Glad no one said replace the hub (unit bearing) as those are at least $200 per side.

 

You can find them cheaper. $67 http://www.ebay.com/itm/171241466141?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

I had the same wandering at around 80k; so your is not too early. Had to replace drag links, wheel bearing and steering gear box. Replacing drag links and steering gear box stopped the wandering problem. I replaced wheel bearings because it tracked grooves on the roads.

 

This is what I was expecting as well. However, the ball joints were completely toasted. I replaced them this past weekend (with the help of a very good video) and got the alignment done this morning. I purchased a lifetime alignment package from Firestone so if the wander is still there when I get it out on the road today, and more parts need replacing, I won't have to pay again.

Here is the video I used as a guide if anyone is interested:

 

What load range are the tires you put on the truck? A weak side wall in the tires will make it squirmy. Just a thought. Good luck with it.

 

I just put a new drag link on mine the other day. Fixed it right up. I could only see a touch of play in it but seems like that was all it took to cause the wander.

 

1999 f350 crew dully, Had to replace wheel bearing both sides at 78000 miles. Still had some wondering, Flushed the power steering fluid and it took care of it. Remember it takes ATF.