Steering Problems-your opinion please
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Tuned
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 302
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From: Seguin
Steering Problems-your opinion please
1955 F250 with 16x7 steel rims / 285/85r/16 tires BFG All Terrian
Steering is a challenge (hard to control) after 40 mph down an uneven road
I have 1/8 play in the steering wheel
Mechanic said king pins, tie rods need to be replaced
My questions are:
Should I change the drag link (or put a kit in the old one)?
Should I purchase a steering stabilizer?
Should I change anything else?
Thank you for your opinion.
Chris
Steering is a challenge (hard to control) after 40 mph down an uneven road
I have 1/8 play in the steering wheel
Mechanic said king pins, tie rods need to be replaced
My questions are:
Should I change the drag link (or put a kit in the old one)?
Should I purchase a steering stabilizer?
Should I change anything else?
Thank you for your opinion.
Chris
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,580
Likes: 29
From: in a barn
Sounds like the mechanic already told you what you need, front end needs a rebuild and the steering box may need adjustment, maybe not..there could be slop throughout the whole front end. Stuff you mentioned doing are bandaids and not fixes.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,135
Likes: 4,735
From: Burbank, WA
I agree. You've got more issues than adding a steering stabilizer, which, btw, should be your last resort. Change the parts your mechanic suggests. While you've got it apart, might as well rebuild the drag link, too. You might check your spring eye bushings and shackles. Chances are those are worn and sloppy, as well, contributing to drift and wander. Those giant all-terrians aren't helping your stability, either. Just some things to think about.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,599
Likes: 34
From: Rockingham, VA
I just replaced the king pins in my F4. Also checked the drag link for wear, and I think it was just slightly out of adjustment (too loose).
Between the two (mostly king pin bushings) the truck now steers without the wander. BTW, aside from being terribly scored, my king pins were not really bad. But the bushings were shot.
Between the two (mostly king pin bushings) the truck now steers without the wander. BTW, aside from being terribly scored, my king pins were not really bad. But the bushings were shot.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,684
Likes: 79
From: Northville, MI
Your truck wasn't designed to handle those big rims and tires. That will amplify any slop that you do have in the front end components. I wouldn't replace anything unless it showed some play. Did your mechanic show you the play in any components? I would thoroughly check everything yourself. Look at each component while somebody turn the steering wheel back and forth just slightly. Pay particular attention to the pitman arm and steering box sector shaft. If it moves in any direction other than the arc of normal rotation then you have a problem in the steering box.
A steering stabilizer should only be used after everything else is verified as normal. It will help with the "death wobble" on bumps but it also may temporarily hide a more serious problem.
A steering stabilizer should only be used after everything else is verified as normal. It will help with the "death wobble" on bumps but it also may temporarily hide a more serious problem.
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