any one know of the best way to test the rear springs on my 2001 f250, apart from jumping up and down on the back ??
thanks

 

I was gonna say jump up and down on the back...

Hook up a trailer to it.

But more specifically, what are your concerns?

 

A/Ox4
Ive got very light steering, going in a straight line i am always over correcting myself, ive looked on the forum and read that it could be the steering pump, steering gear box, stabiliser shock, or my castor
spoken to a f250 dismantler and he told me that he thinks the rear wheels are steering the front, so he tells me i need new springs, the rear of my truck is not down but still up a bit plus i have air bags which you would think would compensate for sagging springs.
thanks in advance

 

You could jack up the rear by the frame until both rear tires are off of the ground, then try to move your axle by grabbing a wheel. Be careful, you don't want to be so violent that you knock the truck off of your jack.

Personally, I think the guy is blowing smoke up your skirt.

 

he's puffing smoke up your behind

I'd look at your front leafs (if 4x4) and check all the steering components piece by piece. it only takes 1 sloppy joint to ruin the whole setup

 

Agree with Redford and Tylus, there is nothing wrong with your springs.

I'd be willing to be you lunch that your castor is at fault here. I noticed the same problem when driving another FTE-member's truck a couple of years ago, and he had all new steering components. He just had to take it to a competent shop that adjusted his castor and it drove fine ever since.

Caster affects the "on center" feel of the steering wheel, and if wrong the truck will be hard to keep in a straight line. Pretty confident that's your problem; you need to find a good alignment shop.

 

have had the castor adjusted with the factory sleeve and made no difference, when the wheel aligner got to it one side had positive the other side was negative, now both are running positive.

 

I agree. Whilst you may have something going on, it's not bad springs. The only time you get loose steering due to springs is with a very heavy load on the back end.

 

sounds a lot like Ball joints to me.

 

all front end has been checked out and parts replaced, wheel alignment was good also this problem is all the time weather my foot is on or off the accelerator i just have very light steering as if i have jaked up the wheels off the ground and start turning the steering wheel, all looks good in the rear end

 

What was the caster, camber and tow settings from your alignment? It sounds like you need another degree of positive caster to correct your issues.