steering wander
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2006
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steering wander
just looking for some input here...my 01 f350 4x4(diesel of course)has always had this wander issue,but,has worsened as it has gotten older.I have replaced everything on the front of this truck....tie rods,bushings(all poly....track bar,sway bar,etc...)ball joints,and,most recently,steering box and pitman arm.I went with the red head steering box...harvey was great to deal with,and,install was pretty straight forward...but,have to admit,i still notice some steering wheel play,and i can't figure out why...i never replaced the rag joint/intermediate shaft,but,i have inspected it closely,and,everything looks good and tight...no sign of any play...have had the wife move the wheel back and forth while under the truck,and everything looks good...no unwanted movement in any of the parts that i can see....can't figure it out! any input appreciated.....
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 15
From: Temperance, MI
There is a bolt with a allen head on your stearing box, loosen the nut up turn the allen head bolt 1/4 turn and retighten the nut, take it for a drive and see if that fixes your problem. If you have to tighten it up more go 1/4 turn at a time and see if this fixes your problem.
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2006
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steering wander
thanks for the input Gents....but,i wouldn't think tweaking is necessary on a brand new red head box....supposed to come already "tweaked" and set up...as far as tires,usually run 35's,but right now,have my small 265's on,so that wouldn't be the issue....thanks for the ideas though.....
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 15
From: Temperance, MI
Your right you ''shouldnt'' have to tweak anything on something brand new, some times you still do, it could have been built on a Monday or Friday, I would call them and ask them there opinion. I usually run 36'' tires but now i have my 315/75 snow tires and believe it or not i didnt realize how bad my steering was untill I put the smaller tires on the truck, i also have dual stabelizers on my truck. jmatthews made a good point too air pressure has a lot to do with my set up, what pressure are you running?
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2006
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i have dual stabilizers as well....as far as pressures,i have played with going lower on pressure,to going to full pressure,and everything in between....no difference.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 15
From: Temperance, MI
How long have your stabilizers been on there? Could they be worn out? Have you called about your red head box and asked there opinion on it? Im at a loss since everything is new on your front end. Is the truck lifted? Can you elaborate on your trucks set up a little maybe this will give me and the other guys here a little more insite.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,712
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From: BoCoMo
just looking for some input here...my 01 f350 4x4(diesel of course)has always had this wander issue,but,has worsened as it has gotten older.I have replaced everything on the front of this truck....tie rods,bushings(all poly....track bar,sway bar,etc...)ball joints,and,most recently,steering box and pitman arm.I went with the red head steering box...harvey was great to deal with,and,install was pretty straight forward...but,have to admit,i still notice some steering wheel play,and i can't figure out why...i never replaced the rag joint/intermediate shaft,but,i have inspected it closely,and,everything looks good and tight...no sign of any play...have had the wife move the wheel back and forth while under the truck,and everything looks good...no unwanted movement in any of the parts that i can see....can't figure it out! any input appreciated.....
Maybe you need a Power Steering Pump Flush. It can not hurt to do it and may be the cause of the wonder.... There are directions around here somewhere. the pump uses ATF Fluid.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,667
Likes: 1
From: Glen Rose,Texas
I have just installed a Redhead as well about a month ago.(great product over shelf boxes....I know)
I would call Harvey before I adjusted it.Not saying anybody is wrong here but get the advise from the folks that built and go from there. .02cents
I would call Harvey before I adjusted it.Not saying anybody is wrong here but get the advise from the folks that built and go from there. .02cents
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2006
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truck has 4 inch lift...i baby this thing....never even had it off road....pretty much highway driving...have owned it since new....stabilizers only a couple years old,and have no damage to them or loss of oil signs(leaking)....will get a hold of harvey at red head to ask him his opinion,but their steering boxes are pretty much rated as the best,according to alot of posts on here,and,have never seen a complaint with them....the only thing that i haven't replaced as mentioned earlier is the rag joint/intermediate shaft,and i have to say,they look fine..i see nothing out of the ordinary,no play in there at all...there's definately something weird going on....i must be missing something...i still have a hell of a lot of play in my steering...the new red head box definately made it "stiffer" feel...but i can turn the wheel from 10'o clock to 2 o'clock and the tires wont move.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 65
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From: Cedar Springs, MI
Did your lift come with a drop pitman arm? I know it will change the angle of your drag link and that might cause a little play. Just a thought. I know I have the same issue, but I'm a little behind you upgrading and fixes other front end parts.
