2001 Excursion 2WD - Loose Steering
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 81
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From: Tampa
2001 Excursion 2WD - Loose Steering
Hello - I am new to this forum but it seems like there are a lot of very knowledgeable people here about Ford trucks.
I am the original owner of a 2001 Ford Excursion with about 262K miles on it.
I have thought about selling it more than once but I have finally come to realize that this is a very sturdy and reliable truck - so why sell it?
With that said, there are a few items that I need to address. The most important right now for me is to get the steering adjusted some how to eliminate the looseness. It is especially noticeable when driving on the interstate, I guess because I am traveling faster.
I am not a skilled mechanic but I do want to learn more about performing some of the simpler maintenance items since I have lost faith in the auto repair shops.
If anyone has suggestions for me to repair or adjust the steering I would greatly appreciate it.
I am the original owner of a 2001 Ford Excursion with about 262K miles on it.
I have thought about selling it more than once but I have finally come to realize that this is a very sturdy and reliable truck - so why sell it?
With that said, there are a few items that I need to address. The most important right now for me is to get the steering adjusted some how to eliminate the looseness. It is especially noticeable when driving on the interstate, I guess because I am traveling faster.
I am not a skilled mechanic but I do want to learn more about performing some of the simpler maintenance items since I have lost faith in the auto repair shops.
If anyone has suggestions for me to repair or adjust the steering I would greatly appreciate it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
If you have confirmed the front end is ok, ball joints,, tie rods, etc. And your tires are properly inflated, and alignment is ok, the red head steering gear makes a great improvement to many.
Usually a group buy deal in the superduty forum.. i installed one in january and it made a nice improvement.
Tire pressure and uneven wear also causes the front to catch on ineven surfaces..
Usually a group buy deal in the superduty forum.. i installed one in january and it made a nice improvement.
Tire pressure and uneven wear also causes the front to catch on ineven surfaces..
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 81
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From: Tampa
Misky
I haven't ruled anything out yet.
The front tires are at the end of their Lives though.
Should I just start with new front tires and an alignment?
I have read some posts that talked about bushings being worn out that could cause this. But most of those posts were from people w 4x4 and mine is just a 4 x 2.
Also, does anyone know where I can get a detailed factory service manual that the service departments use?
Thx
I haven't ruled anything out yet.
The front tires are at the end of their Lives though.
Should I just start with new front tires and an alignment?
I have read some posts that talked about bushings being worn out that could cause this. But most of those posts were from people w 4x4 and mine is just a 4 x 2.
Also, does anyone know where I can get a detailed factory service manual that the service departments use?
Thx
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 30,593
Likes: 1,236
From: N. IL
Last question first.
Ford Repair & Service Information DVD-ALL MODELS (1997-2008).
Catch him on a Friday toward the end of the month and you can negoiate it a little cheaper.
Good idea, don't sell. 262k ain't that old.
Start with Misky's list. Replace 'em if you're certain they're original, or give 'em the wiggle/shake test to determine condition. R.H. Steering gear is no question in your future. Review install threads with each part. Read the epic steering wander thread. Once that's done, then address those bald, cupped, uneven tires. Don't buy new tires hoping that'll solve issues, that your last step, followed by a shop that specializes in super duty alignments. Yes it'll take a while to find, but all others are a waste of $.
Report back from time to time on your progress. Invest 3 hrs in that epic thread, take notes as needed.
Oh yeah, welcome!!!
Ford Repair & Service Information DVD-ALL MODELS (1997-2008).
Catch him on a Friday toward the end of the month and you can negoiate it a little cheaper.
Good idea, don't sell. 262k ain't that old.
Start with Misky's list. Replace 'em if you're certain they're original, or give 'em the wiggle/shake test to determine condition. R.H. Steering gear is no question in your future. Review install threads with each part. Read the epic steering wander thread. Once that's done, then address those bald, cupped, uneven tires. Don't buy new tires hoping that'll solve issues, that your last step, followed by a shop that specializes in super duty alignments. Yes it'll take a while to find, but all others are a waste of $.
Report back from time to time on your progress. Invest 3 hrs in that epic thread, take notes as needed.
Oh yeah, welcome!!!
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
With your truck off how far can you shake the steering wheel to each side? Mine was bad, like 2 inches per side, I adjusted the allen screw on the gearbox and knocked it down to maybe 1/4 inch per side..... a big difference, it will hold me off for buying a new gearbox for a while..... check yours and maybe an adjustment might help it if it needs it.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
I would suggest a Red Head steering gear, I installed one on mine a couple months ago and it made a huge difference. You can get in on a group buy and save some money:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...group-buy.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...group-buy.html
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
I would suggest a Red Head steering gear, I installed one on mine a couple months ago and it made a huge difference. You can get in on a group buy and save some money:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...group-buy.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...group-buy.html
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
Plus the $200 refundable core charge . Plus you pay to return via usps flat rate $12.
It is well worth it! Tires are $1,000.
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Misky
I haven't ruled anything out yet.
The front tires are at the end of their Lives though.
Should I just start with new front tires and an alignment?
I have read some posts that talked about bushings being worn out that could cause this. But most of those posts were from people w 4x4 and mine is just a 4 x 2.
Also, does anyone know where I can get a detailed factory service manual that the service departments use?
Thx
I haven't ruled anything out yet.
The front tires are at the end of their Lives though.
Should I just start with new front tires and an alignment?
I have read some posts that talked about bushings being worn out that could cause this. But most of those posts were from people w 4x4 and mine is just a 4 x 2.
Also, does anyone know where I can get a detailed factory service manual that the service departments use?
Thx
The 4wd has ancient leaf springs up front, the 2wd has shocks and springs up front. Swaybar is also different. The steering is the same I think.
One other thing to try is to flush the power steering fluid. Simple and easy to do. Then make sure balljoints and all that related stuff is all good.
One step beyond that is to replace the steering box with a redhead box.
I also have a 2wd and still use the a stock steering box. I am 3rd owner so I don't know if it's ever been replaced. My truck runs pretty well on freeways. No issues keeping it going.
Check out the tech section for write ups, people here did some awesome jobs on describing how to fix or improve stuff.
As far as manuals, I bought a haynes manual which will get you going. They're not the best but it helps.
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