Notices
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

Steering wheel problem

Old Jan 28, 2011 | 07:24 PM
  #1  
lazyscholar's Avatar
lazyscholar
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Steering wheel problem

Hello all. It's been awhile, and I don't even think I've logged since I got my powerstroke.

Long story short I have a 97 f250 PSD. I went through a massive hole a while back where my front end came off the ground and slammed back down. My steering wheel is off 90 degrees to the right. I had my nephew move the wheel with the engine off and I've noticed the frame, where the gearbox is located, is twisting a small amount when you turn it either way. I think I semi-broke a rivet but I'm not sure, do any of ya'll know of anything else it could be?
 
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2011 | 09:02 PM
  #2  
Midwest Dually's Avatar
Midwest Dually
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 2
From: Wyoming
Take a pic of the frame and gear box (both sides) and share!

The gear box isnt held on by rivets, but three bolts. It could be a few things, but it you whacked your frame... wooo.. You say that you notice the frame moves when you turn the wheel? If so, you cracked your frame. If not, you broke some of those bolts. I am surprised you didnt knock out some tie rod ends!
 
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2011 | 09:12 PM
  #3  
lazyscholar's Avatar
lazyscholar
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
I've replaced all tie rods and lower ball joints, because they tested bad. It was bad, real bad. I'll get some pics up tomorrow. The reason I'm thinking a semi broke rivet is there's a small gap on the bottom of the motor mount riveted to the frame. I haven't seen any other damage at any other area and that little spot is hardly noticeable, but sometimes the things we barely see give us the biggest headaches.
 
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2011 | 08:10 AM
  #4  
RRranch's Avatar
RRranch
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 0
From: West Texas
Boy, last time I got airborn my dashboard about came off. It broke the bracket on the right side. That was over a year ago and I just finally fixed it yesterday. I'll never chase cows across my neighbors pasture again.

I hope your truck is ok. If your steering wheel is that far off then you must have bent something. Is it 2 wheel drive? I'd suggest getting out the tape measure and start measuring everything. Ride height on both sides at the front wheel opening, toe, distance from the center of the front hubs to the rear edge of the fender. That will tell me something about what may be off. measure both sides for comparisons.
 
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2011 | 08:52 AM
  #5  
Andy Sullivan's Avatar
Andy Sullivan
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Ridgely, Maryland
I never jumped my 96 but had the spots where the bottom motor cage goes to the frame they had rivets I had the dealer weld them. When I would turn it was so noise. But I heard about the rivets breaking.
 
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2011 | 09:06 AM
  #6  
tbone heller's Avatar
tbone heller
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Canton, Georgia
Check to see if the splines on the steering gearbox where the pitman arm bolts up are twisted.
 
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2011 | 10:50 AM
  #7  
lazyscholar's Avatar
lazyscholar
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Alrighty ask and you shall receive, Midwest here are the pics.

Front(you'll notice Excalibur and his evil twin in the gap):

Back:



RR here are the numbers
Front of vehicle
L R
Ride height: 7 1/8" 7"

Center hub to fender 29 1/2" 29 1/2"

Toe +1/2"-1/4"

Andy sounds like I may have your problem

tbone as far as i can tell nothing is twisted or broken other than what I believe is the rivet.

I would like to thank all of you for taking the time to help me with this problem.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dmueller71
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
4
Mar 31, 2015 08:18 AM
69 F100 Cali
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Mar 25, 2012 09:39 PM
jcab
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
2
Oct 20, 2004 11:18 PM
85'FordF-150
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
May 23, 2004 11:35 AM
hermann
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
2
Jan 23, 2002 09:36 AM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:16 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-6
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE