Front End Problems on a 7.3
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Front End Problems on a 7.3
Hey guys i have a 2001 f250 4x4 with the 7.3. we bought it and it had some pretty bad front end problems, replaced upper and lower ball joints on both sides and while in replacing ball joints noticed bad hubs so we replaced those too. Its a little better but the truck still wonders really badly, it was never in an accident that reports show. What should be the next thing i should check, possibly the steering stablizer? any help is greatly appreciated as im not too farmiliar with front ends.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 6
From: Ventura co.
Did you get the front end re-aligned. bad camber "I be-leave it is" will make your truck wonder. Tires are the next thing if everything has been changed.. A twisted cord in a tire will make it wonder ..
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,254
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I replaced upper and lower ball joints and all tie rod ends. I also replaced the sway bar bushings on the front sway bar, new shocks, and new steering dampener.
As mentioned a worn out steering box can cause issues and many have good things to say about the RedHead box.
Tim M
As mentioned a worn out steering box can cause issues and many have good things to say about the RedHead box.
Tim M
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Frederick, MD.
I did almost the same as TIMF150 "upper and lower ball joints and all tie rod ends. I also replaced the sway bar bushings on the front sway bar, new shocks" I then had it aligned, I did not replace the sterring stabilizer (did not have one, looks like the mounting bracket for it is all mangled) but I also put a 2.5" leveling kit and new Panhard rod, and the sway bar link bushings, would guess that TIMF150 did them as well just did not mention them - and the truck handles great.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
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From: Stephensville WI
First, inspect or have the front end inspected by a good shop. Mke sure everything is tight.
Make sure your steering gear box is OK.
Have the truck aligned. Ask them to dial in as much positive caster as they can (within specs). Too much negative caster will cause the truck to wander.
Make sure your steering gear box is OK.
Have the truck aligned. Ask them to dial in as much positive caster as they can (within specs). Too much negative caster will cause the truck to wander.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2011
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I had brand new tires put on, had brand new outter tie rod ends and new shocks and an alignment done and then found out the play in the steering wheel, the truck wondering around on its own, is due to the steering gear box on my '01 F250 7.3. IMO, don't dump money into an alignment or anything else until you have the money for that steering gear box, and then have it all done at once.
Yes, supposedly Red Head has big and beefy yadda yadda yadda that was going to cost me 4 times as much for the box alone as it was purchased and installed from and at Ford themselves. Their customer service I found horrible as well. Only after I posted on this forum that I had called Red Head twice and left a message and after a few days still had not heard back did they finally call me back. Coincidence or not, a little too little and a little too late, IMO.
Yes, supposedly Red Head has big and beefy yadda yadda yadda that was going to cost me 4 times as much for the box alone as it was purchased and installed from and at Ford themselves. Their customer service I found horrible as well. Only after I posted on this forum that I had called Red Head twice and left a message and after a few days still had not heard back did they finally call me back. Coincidence or not, a little too little and a little too late, IMO.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,800
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From: Southern Colorado
I would adjust play out of the OEM steering box (and get everything else under control - alignment, etc.) before replacing the steering box.
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thanks guys for all the replies! well after i posted this i went out to go check the tie rod's and other such things. My neighbor helped as i got in the truck and wiggled the steering wheel around. Bingo! we found that the inner tie rod connecting to the pitman arm i believe had way too much play, (forgive me if the names where wrong, im new to working on front ends!) So after a little bit of work we got the new one in. HUGE difference, the truck does not wonder half as much and the steering is much tighter. Upon inspection of the old inner tie rod showed that the joint was extremely loose. Went and got it aligned after that this morning and she drives great. I appreciate all the advice!
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