Lifted steering issues
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Joined: Aug 2011
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Lifted steering issues
This is my first time to write on a forum. Please excuse me if I don't follow the guidelines of a forum. I own a 2002 F-350 4x4 7.3L Diesel 220,000 miles. It is lifted 4" with LT 315/70 R17 Tires. I have replaced 3 complete sets of ball joints. 2 P/S Pumps and maybe a 3rd. 2 sets of tie rods. I would like to know if all these steering issues are because of the large tires or the lift or a combination of them both. I have been thinking about lowering the truck and going back with stock wheels and tires. I was also thinking of maybe downsizing wheels and tires if this could solve the problems. An answer from anybody would be very appreciative.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
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From: Texas
Welcome to FTE. How many miles has the lift been on? What brand lift is it? What brand parts are you putting in when you replace parts? Are you driving off road or over really rough roads a lot? Are you sure the parts you're replacing are bad, or are you just guessing while trying to fix some steering issue?
Replacing all those parts over 220,000 miles isn't as bad as if you've had to replace them all in the last 50,000 miles.
Replacing all those parts over 220,000 miles isn't as bad as if you've had to replace them all in the last 50,000 miles.
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New User
Joined: Aug 2011
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The lift has 178,000 miles on it. It is a Procomp Lift. I have been using a long time diesel shop and a suspension and steering shop. I dont know much about diagnosing and repairing my truck, so I leave it up to the pro's. When the problems are fixed I am a satisfied customer. Here lately I have noticed I have been replacing parts more frequently.For example lifted truck at 42,982 miles. Replaced p/s pump at 157,136. Having same issues now and will probably change p/s pump at 220,000. Ball joints are only lasting about 60,000 miles.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,156
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From: Yuba City, CA.
I'm on my 3rd set of BJ's, but that was because the Ford dealership in WA. stripped out the zerk holes, 2nd set of all the tie-rods, 3rd tie rod that goes to the pitman arm. I bought all MOOG, lifetime warranty from O'Rieley's. Something goes out, free replacement that day. Oh yeah, I added a REDHEAD steering box a couple of years ago, but I'm still on my factory steering pump. 220K, 6" lift, 37" tires, and lots of brush busting.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Temperance, MI
Welcome to FTE. If your replacing parts with OE parts that could be some of your problem, these trucks like to eat parts so spend money on parts that a hungry beast cant eat lol. In reality your tires are not that much bigger than stock, just by a couple of inches. One thing that I dont see that you havent said is anything about hubs, thats known to be because of tire sizes. Ive put 2 sets of hubs on my truck in the last year. I wouldnt blame the lift parts get used and tend to wear out your just having to replace them
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
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From: Texas
Unfortunately, the quality of many repair parts are not what they used to be. The reason forums like this are so popular is because many others have had the same issues you have and are tired of getting inferior parts.
The Redhead steering box seems to be a good choice to go with. For ball joints, it used to be Moog's, but we started seeing too many issues with them. XRF appear to be the good ones right now if you don't want to spend the money on Dynatrac's.
When you take it to the pro's, you get the brand of parts they sell. If that brand has suffered quality issues, then you get less than stellar parts.
The Redhead steering box seems to be a good choice to go with. For ball joints, it used to be Moog's, but we started seeing too many issues with them. XRF appear to be the good ones right now if you don't want to spend the money on Dynatrac's.
When you take it to the pro's, you get the brand of parts they sell. If that brand has suffered quality issues, then you get less than stellar parts.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,156
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From: Yuba City, CA.
Just a side note on hub bearings, I'm still on my original drivers side, and only one replacement passenger side(Timken). Grease them!
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