Steering wheel play

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Dec 30, 2014 | 07:56 AM

DanielT28

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Sep 2012

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From: idaho

Steering wheel play

With my 97 F 350 when I first bought it had a lot of steering will play left and right as you're driving. Few years later I've got it almost down to zero but I still have it knocked it out.

So now to my 2002, it's got some play, not a crazy amount but I was wondering if it just need a new tire rods. Or is it just because of the 35 inch tires I have? Or do I tire odds need spacers? Or is my steering box going to crap? Or is it normal for the super duty straight axles to have play in the steering I'm just not sure. But it gets annoying because you kind of have to Corral the wheel to stay between the lines often

Dec 30, 2014 | 08:57 AM

timmyboy76

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Joined: Sep 2010

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atop the steering box, you'll see an allen bolt that jammed nutted. Crack the nut and tighten the allen bolt. Do small increments til your satisfied.

Dec 30, 2014 | 09:02 AM

The Brad

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Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 868

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From: SoCal

First thing to do is lift the front end and check all of the steering linkage, wheel bearings, and ball joints. In my case it was the steering gear box. I also broke the end link that connects to the pitman arm in front of my house, the day after towing my boat home from Arizona. That was a reality check. I'm lucky it happened at 5mph instead of 70. I replaced the end link, but steering was still sloppy, so I ordered a hydraulic assist steering ram and new steering box. With the new gear box, there's no more slop. If the steering wheel moves, so do the tires. With the ram, I'm able to turn my 35's lock to lock with one finger, at idle, in drive, with my foot on the brake. The Ram assist shares the load with the gearbox and spares the steering linkage.

Dec 30, 2014 | 08:52 PM

DanielT28

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 1,239

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From: idaho

Well I'm not sure if it's because I'm bouncing back-and-forth from the 97 to the 2002 and just not used to it or something. But it definitely has some play and I don't think it should have any if I'm correct

Dec 30, 2014 | 09:48 PM

JT250

Cargo Master

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 2,800

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From: OKC, OK

I have now replaced all the toe rods on the front end and it really helped with my steering wheel play. I may still have a tiny bit but just chalk it up to a large truck with oversize tires. I have never tried to tighten the steering box. I might do it if I run out of things to do. Turbo been sitting on my bench for 8 months or so. New International water pump just arrived too.

Dec 30, 2014 | 10:16 PM

AllaboutMPG

Logistics Pro

Joined: Oct 2011

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From: Mcdonough, GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by JT250

Tightening the gearbox on mine made a huge difference. Replaced a bunch of worn parts up front first and steering got better. Finished it up with the gearbox and it's nice and tight now with no wandering.

Go a little at a time. If you go to far it can cause it to lock up.

Dec 30, 2014 | 10:33 PM

jgilrfr

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Joined: Aug 2008

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From: Staten Island,hamilton ny

check all of the front end components,check that all lugs on the wheels are tight, check for play in the column itself at the u joint and check steering box