Sloppy Steering Help
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 687
Likes: 15
From: Lake Charles, LA
Have you checked the tires? Sounds like something may have come loose within the tire and causing the shifts. Try new tires maybe, or at least rotate and see if still there. I dunno, but stranger things have happened......
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Tightening up the steering box is simple, but definitely make sure everything else is perfect before adjusting the box. (I've been doing this for years on many different kinds of vehicles.)
There is an allen screw being held tight by a nut. 9/16 nut, I believe, and I don't remember the size on the Allen.
1st, put your front end up on jack stands so that the tires are up in the air. This is KEY.
2nd, find a buddy and have him/her loosen the nut from under the truck and you tighten the allen screw, a quarter turn at a time. After each turn, wiggle the steering wheel back and forth. It's even easier and faster if you have a 3rd buddy wiggling the steering wheel back and forth. Continue until you can not wiggle the steering wheel without moving the tire. Do not go past that point or damage can occur to your steering box.
3rd, after the box is tightened to your liking, hold your allen screw in place while your buddy tightens the nut. Make sure the nut is good and tight.
4th, test drive.
5th, come home and drink a beer while admiring your workmanship!
There is an allen screw being held tight by a nut. 9/16 nut, I believe, and I don't remember the size on the Allen.
1st, put your front end up on jack stands so that the tires are up in the air. This is KEY.
2nd, find a buddy and have him/her loosen the nut from under the truck and you tighten the allen screw, a quarter turn at a time. After each turn, wiggle the steering wheel back and forth. It's even easier and faster if you have a 3rd buddy wiggling the steering wheel back and forth. Continue until you can not wiggle the steering wheel without moving the tire. Do not go past that point or damage can occur to your steering box.
3rd, after the box is tightened to your liking, hold your allen screw in place while your buddy tightens the nut. Make sure the nut is good and tight.
4th, test drive.
5th, come home and drink a beer while admiring your workmanship!
Thread Starter
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1
From: AL, Reform
this is the 3 one form AZ under the warranty.
right now i can not afford a redhead, as i was let go from my job.
right now i can not afford a redhead, as i was let go from my job.
Thread Starter
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1
From: AL, Reform
i have a warn grill guard winch mount, that uses the holes and there all there. it has been on there for 10 years so i dont think it would start in the last 5 months.
i have checked the psi in the tires and had the shop check them all look good and they have less then 3000 miles on them.
ajustting the box is what killed the last one, over 3 weeks i slowly tightened it never helped, so i swapped it for a new one.
i have checked the psi in the tires and had the shop check them all look good and they have less then 3000 miles on them.
ajustting the box is what killed the last one, over 3 weeks i slowly tightened it never helped, so i swapped it for a new one.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Springs, MI
I had the same issue, I replaced tie-rod ends, ball joints, track bar bushings, and steering gear. It turned out I had slop from not changing my pitman arm when the lift was installed. I fixed my steering geometry with a drop pitman arm and the wander in my steering went away. Not sure if your running a lift or leveling kit, just an idea??
Good Luck!!
Good Luck!!
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,368
Likes: 595
From: Amarillo, TEXAS!
When it was aligned, was the 1000 gallon water tank empty or full? 8000 lbs in the back can change the front end geometry, especially if it's aft of the rear axle.
EDIT: Never mind. CLEARLY, I misread that part, lol.
EDIT: Never mind. CLEARLY, I misread that part, lol.
Thread Starter
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1
From: AL, Reform
no lift
im think the sway bar bushings are bad,
i have a 370gal water tank on the f550 but not on the f250.
i may try the adjustment again but hate to junk another box.
im think the sway bar bushings are bad,
i have a 370gal water tank on the f550 but not on the f250.
i may try the adjustment again but hate to junk another box.
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Springs, MI
Go with Polyurethane bushings!! It can't hurt anything. Everyone swears by the Red Head Steering gear, but I can't seem to spend that much when Autozone offers a life-time warranty for half the price. I changed mine with the past 2,000 miles and it still seems good. Good luck on getting to the source of your steering wander!!
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Springs, MI
Energy Suspension Sway Bar Bushing Set
Energy Suspension Sway Bar Bushing Set 4.5186G: Search no more for the best Sway Bar Bushing -Performance at Advance Auto Parts
I installed this set. Everything fit tight, I have no complaints! Polyurethane is suppose to last!
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Unless your U bolts attaching your leaf springs to your axle are loose, your axle isn't going anywhere. You can take the Anti-sway bar completely off and steer perfectly fine. You'll just get a lot of lean when you go around a corner.