Steering
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: MI
Steering
Hello, 1997 f-350 crew cab. I installed all new tie rods and found the ball to the steering box to be severely worn out and sticky. After getting a front end alignment I thought my problems were over. I am always correcting the steering going down the road so much so I don't dare take my eyes off the road. This truck is still hard to drive. I adjusted the steering box both directions to see if I could improve with no luck. Is there anything I'm missing? I don't have any play in the wheels at all. Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 1
From: Exton, PA
How are your spring, shackle and track bar bushings? Worn out bushings in those locations can cause ALOT of steering slop!
Your steering box and tie rods can be tight as a drum, but with what should be the fixed mounts of the axle to the truck floating all over the place you'll get the same feel as loose steering.
Your steering box and tie rods can be tight as a drum, but with what should be the fixed mounts of the axle to the truck floating all over the place you'll get the same feel as loose steering.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 20
From: Denton, TX
4x4?
Tie rod roll. Start the truck, have someone saw the steering wheel left and right while you watch from the front and see the tire rod roll up when the wheels are being turned left, and down when the wheels are being turned right.
Tie rod roll. Start the truck, have someone saw the steering wheel left and right while you watch from the front and see the tire rod roll up when the wheels are being turned left, and down when the wheels are being turned right.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: MI
Tie rod roll
Yes it's a4x4. The old tie rods moved up and down like that, actually made a clunking sound when I had my daughter turn the wheel for me. How do I fix tie rod roll up? i will have to look at all the bushings, I believe they are ok. I was thinking bad shocks which are 2 years old. I don't drive the truck that much, just hunting trips and pulling my boat. Thanks for your help guys.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 20
From: Denton, TX
There's not really a way to fix it, it is caused by the pitman link connecting to the front side of the drag link.
Some people suggest turning each tie rod end opposite directions so they sorta lock it from rolling. I'll do that to mine, but I will give them a little room to pivot.
Some people suggest turning each tie rod end opposite directions so they sorta lock it from rolling. I'll do that to mine, but I will give them a little room to pivot.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,590
Likes: 382
From: Texas
It would help too if you would fill out your sig so we know what you drive. 2wd? 4wd? SRW? DRW? I am not trying to sound like a jerk...but the front ends are different and it helps to narrow down a possible issue.
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: MI
BBslider I'm not really into trucks all that much. I do have things listed in my signature I thought, I guess not enough. I just use this site to get great information from the pros like yourself. I try my best to maintain my truck and need help sometimes.
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Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,590
Likes: 382
From: Texas
I hear you...I am certainly not a pro by any means! LOL...just a backyard hillbilly trying to maintain. You might just need to check the box that says "show sig" unless you are posting from your phone. Then it won't show up unfortunately. Just trying to help! Get it figured out or still stuck?
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