1995 F250 4x4 5.8L Manual. I'm trying to figure out if my linkage is shot or if the gear box is shot.
I have wander going in a straight line, but it smoothes out after 55mph. The wheels move with the slightest movement of the steering wheel...(sitting in driveway, truck off, move steering wheel left or right, the wheels move immediately, Truck running, I have about 1 or 2 inches of play in the steering wheel before the wheels start to move..
I do not have any leaks in the gearbox or the power steering pump. The pump has the whine that a lot of them do though.
With the truck running but sitting still, it is very hard to turn the wheels in either direction, but as soon as you roll, it's all very easy.
So any opinions as to whether it's gearbox or linkages or both would be appreciated.
I was just going to buy a newer truck but after seeing the ridiculous prices, I decided that the rust and few mechanical problems to fix will be a lot cheaper, and I'll still have a better truck than the newer ones.

 

The only way to find the problem is by inspecting the steering. If someone knew how to inspect it they would likely find the problem in a very few minutes.

 

How old is the fluid in your system?
May not hurt to drain the system. Plug the return line connection on the pump and let the return go to a catch pan or empty gallon milk jug. Refill and flush out the whole system with fresh fluid and with the truck running and putting the system thru its paces in the driveway. Checking for anything more than fluid in the collection container. You will need help. One on the wheel and one filling the pump. Than return the return line to the pump fill to proper level. Recheck for operation.
Good luck.

 

Another reason, I'm not sure what it is at this point is because, I had to go pick up a load of furniture last Saturday, I loaded a couch and 2 reclining chairs and an ottoman in the bed. Driving home I noticed that the steering had lost all of it's play and was nice and tight. I've never experienced anything like this before because any other truck I have driven that has had slop in the frontend has always gotten worse because the load was taken off the front and made it lighter...just very strange.


I plan on getting the front end up in the air this next weekend and checking all the linkage for play, and doing a fluid change too. I just thought I'd get some ideas from those that are a little more experienced as to what I should look for or what could be going on.
Thanks.

 

I think your problem isn't steering, I'm thinking the leaf spring bushings and pivot bushings are toast and causing the weird behavior, they are 21 years old, I'd just change them and then you know it's good.

 

I'll check it out....Considering I've never changed leaf or pivot bushing before, how hard will it be and how long does it usually take to do this kind of job? Any special tools required?

 

Depends on your definition of "hard". seriously though google it up. You can find videos and other detailed posts on the proper way to do it.

 

LOL...my definition of hard is slipping wrenches and busted knuckles. Other than that, I can do just about anything.
I crawled under the truck and big as anything, the pivot bushing are elongated, big time. Wasn't sure about doing the job so I called the mechanic that I use when the weather is cold and I don't feel like laying on the ground outside. Because it's a 4x4 he said it was book time of 7.5hrs @ $90 an hr. plus parts. Over $700 for 2 bushings. So, my job after work today is to get it up in the air and do it, I'm not paying that kind of money for something I know I can do. He said he had to pull my right side axle out...blah, blah. The axle doesn't have to come out, The nut for the bushing is on the axle side and the bolt pushes out the other side, so I'm good on that...I figure on my back, maybe 3 hours of cussing and finger smashing.

 

Just don't bust your knuckles and it'll be an easy job! Lol

 

Well, It's done, It took a lot longer than I thought it would. They had to be the original bushings. The ball joint remover was practically useless in removing the, I had to use sawzall and chisels to get them removed. My ball joint remover busted so I had to go rent one and it was beat up with flattened threads on the rod, it almost was no good also, but I did manage to get the bushing pressed back in. Total Hours on my back... 8. So much for 3 or 4 hours...lol. The truck still drifts a little bit but I think the left outer tie rod is bad, it's not loose but I noticed that the rubber is pretty flat even after greasing and comparing it to the right side, so I'll replace that sometime this week when the rain is over with. Oh, and total cost...$36.00 for MOOG bushings 2 cut knuckles and a cut on the forearm. The tool rental was free.