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Steering box

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Old Apr 12, 2015 | 09:36 AM
  #1  
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Steering box

97 f250 4"skyjacker 460 auto LB 107k twin beam
I started upgrading the truck a couple of years ago / engine mods and tune, headers and pipes, new Trans, lift & align & align & align, barings brakes, one piece DL

Slight wander after 40mph
It's so close and I have went this far I want it as good as I can get it. She rolls way straight and smooth, I'm thinking it just that small bit of play in the box is letting it wander. It's not a constant wander it's more like a random tracking of the road

I probably won't be happy until I put a box in but would be nice to know if I'm on the right track. Next will be rod ends and bushings but need to do one at a time

Any thoughts on brand of box and steering ratio? Is it a pretty straight forward replacement for me to do?

Mike
 
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Old Apr 12, 2015 | 11:14 AM
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Some update
Tightend the adjuster on the box about a quarter turn and was able to get the drop pitman a smidg tighter ( pitman nut is over 1 1/4" so had to use a pipe wrench)

Seems to have helped, tested on the freeway and I have a lot more controle within my lane, like if I want to hug one side of my lane it stays ther without drifting - Maybe that will get it for awhile?

I just picked up a new humvee trailer and that sucker is pretty wide, just wandering withing my lane makes for a little more work to drive and was thinking it would take some of the fun out of a long trip
 
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Old Apr 12, 2015 | 03:24 PM
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A loose box or tight kingpins/ball joints makes for an interesting ride especially when towing. Sounds like you're on the right track.
 
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Old Apr 13, 2015 | 07:31 AM
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Thanks
While I'm on the case can someone recommend a brand of steering box and ratio?

Tightening the adjuster helped so much, I'm thinking a new box is the way to go. Also my old box seems like the big weak link in my steer ring system, looks pretty weathered

Also while I am at it, I have an annoying lash in my steering wheel. Only noticeable when on washer boards or if you turn the wheel back and forth between it's play area you get a little lash tick, the wheel isn't lose and doesn't move up, down or side to side it just has a little lash tick. Hoping it's down toward the box side sure would be nice to figure out what I need so when I do the box I can fix the tick at the same time
 
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