Hey guys, I just picked up a 2000 7.3 Excursion. I've already replaced a lot of the suspension & steering components as well as new brakes all around. I'm going to be towing a 7x16 enclosed trailer 700 miles south so I need my Excursion to be safe and mechanically sound.

The one issue I can't seem to figure out is the amount of play in the steering wheel (around 2-3"). Replacing the tie rods & alignment fixed the wandering issue but it did not affect the play in the steering wheel. I've already adjusted the steering box 1/4 of a turn which had no affect.

I believe the issue lies within the steering shaft. With the X not running, I can turn the wheel 2-3" before I can hear the steering box engage. When I release the wheel, it springs back to its original position.

I had the same issue on another car I previously owned which ended up being a worn out rag joint/dampener. Looking through the factory service manual, it makes no mention of one.

Any of you guys have ideas?

 

The factory boxes have a ton of slop. I wouldn't discount it being the box.

Aside from that, get an assistant to crank the wheel and look for play starting at the shaft and working to the tires.

 

I think you're right.

I investigated a little further and removed the plastic sheild that goes over the pinch bolt on the steering column. The rag joint was in good shape - no physical damage or flexing. The play is definitely coming from the steering box (steering column side). On the pitman arm side of the steering box, everything is tight including all the steering components which I just replaced.

Looks like a Red-Head box is in order.

Thanks!

 

I've had a dramatic improvement with my Redhead box but still it's not perfect. I am going to look again at possibly a sticking ball joint.

 

Now that your willing to replace, give it 3/4 turn... Keep going, as long as the steering wheel comes back to center your ok... I never give this advise unless you are ready to move forward on a new box.

 

I have a new factory box because my extended warranty coverd it. The X tracks straight and it is much better than the old one. There is still play. I tried once to adjust it but the lock nut feels like they welded it in place. It's on my project list.

 

Weeeves,

Did the Red-Head box work? I have the same issue with my 03 Ex. It does have an 8 inch lift. I just put my 3rd A-1 CARDONE steering gear on trying to solve the loose steering issue. No one else can drive it b/c with 3 plus inches of loose steering, going around curves is tricky. I've had 2 "four-wheel shops" look at it and my regular mechanic. Know one can seem to solve the issue. Seems to be a common problem that doesn't have an easy solution.

 

Actually, I needed to move sooner than expected, so I went and bought a Reman locally from Advance Auto (A1 Cardone). Got it installed and running in a few hours. It made a world of difference. It eliminated most of the play in my steering wheel. The only play that's there is from the rag joint/steering dampener on the steering shaft which is 100% normal.

I wasn't expecting the Cardone box to last very long but surprising, the steering is still very tight to this day. If you're experiencing that much steering wheel play, first make sure you don't have any play at the tie rods on the drag/center link (pitman arm side)

My Ex did develop another weird problem, however. While cruising down the highway, the steering wheel would jerk hard left and sometimes right. Talk about scary. It also developed a pull to the left which an alignment did not fix.

Initially, I thought it was the Cardone steering box that I replaced several months back but it ended up being the power steering pump. Replaced pump and flushed out the system again and it drives like a new truck.

If/when the Cardone box fails, I will be buying a Redhead box. Their customer service is top notch and they even took the time to help me troubleshoot some issues.

 

I was lucky to buy an Ex that has a hydraulic steering stabilizer... It's AMAZING. Having owned an SD in the past, I always hated the wander. This thing drives like a car, even when it had a 6" lift and 35's. Not cheap initially, but well worth it IMO.

 

CobbKClark- start by adjusting your steering box. It only takes about 2 minutes. Start with about 1/4 turn, then go in small increments and drive it after each adjustment. Don't go more than about 1 full turn. Hopefully you can get it better for free.
I adjusted mine and was 50 percent happier, then pulled the trigger on a Redhead and I've been amazed ever since!