Sloppy steering
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2009
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Sloppy steering
I have a 1997 F250 (converted to a D60). It has a LOT of slop in the steering. It tracks very well down the road, and all of the bushings,etc. were replaced very recently. I'm wondering if it is the steering box that is causing the issue? Also, how many hours labor is it to replace the steering box if that's the culprit? Thanks!
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 141
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From: SW Colorado
I'm going to say that castor isn't the issue here, but knowing what it's value is is still a valid concern.
Steering boxes in these trucks are a real issue and are notorious for slop. This is a very easy thing to check though.
R&Ring the box is very simple if you have the appropriate tools. The hardest parts are pulling the Pitman arm and loosening the hose connections. Make sure you've got tools for that before starting.
Steering boxes in these trucks are a real issue and are notorious for slop. This is a very easy thing to check though.
R&Ring the box is very simple if you have the appropriate tools. The hardest parts are pulling the Pitman arm and loosening the hose connections. Make sure you've got tools for that before starting.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2009
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All the bushings look pretty new. The front axle was a donor from a 1994 F350. It has a reverse shackle kit from "SKY" installed and the Pitman are looks to be a pretty new "Rough Country" arm.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,171
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From: Denton, TX
Did you replace ball joints when you swapped in the D60? If so, did you follow the torquing procedure? This won't make it sloppy, but the truck will wander, giving a similar perception.
Did you also swap to the F350 steering pieces? They are different than the F250.
Also, do you know what tie rod roll is? This is my #1 suspect of your sloppy steering. Google it but with the truck idling have someone steer the wheel to 9 o'clock to 3 to 9 to 3 while you watch what happens to the tie rods.
Did you also swap to the F350 steering pieces? They are different than the F250.
Also, do you know what tie rod roll is? This is my #1 suspect of your sloppy steering. Google it but with the truck idling have someone steer the wheel to 9 o'clock to 3 to 9 to 3 while you watch what happens to the tie rods.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2009
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I got in the truck and had my son go 3-9 o'clock etc. I see the tie rod going left to right, etc. and it gets to a point and kind of "jumps" almost like it's popping. No popping noises or anything like that, and the truck drives straight on the road. In the driveway, the steering feels tight with no slop. When you go on the road though, it's sloppy as hell.
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Mountain Pass
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Forgot to mention...., Ball joints are new and it has all the proper components from the donor F350 front axle. Thanks!,
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Joined: Apr 2015
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From: Boston, KY
My vote would also be steering box. Is there slop in the steering wheel while the truck is off? The wheels won't move but the steering wheel will.
I picked up a new one this weekend for $130 and spent a little under 2 hours on it. 50% of that time was getting the pitman arm off. If you can swing an extra $30-ish bucks, might be worth buying a new one. The steering box is a very easy 2 beer job either way.
I picked up a new one this weekend for $130 and spent a little under 2 hours on it. 50% of that time was getting the pitman arm off. If you can swing an extra $30-ish bucks, might be worth buying a new one. The steering box is a very easy 2 beer job either way.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2009
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There isn't any slop until you drive it. It sees tight sitting in the driveway, but as soon as you get past 25mph, it just seems so numb and sloppy. If I turn wheel left and right from center while traveling down the road, there is probably 2-3" at least where the wheels don't move really. Truck doesn't wander or pull though. It's just really "numb" and sloppy while driving.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2009
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I pretty sure the D60 has a Sky RSK installed as well. It has SuperDuty leafs now installed. The previous owner stated that it's more of a "soft" steering than slop, but I'm thinking it's pretty sloppy. He said he thinks it's the original steering box. 209k miles. May need a new box. I'm gonna have a local shop diagnose my front end components later today.
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Joined: Jun 2013
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From: SoCal 909
Not trying to hijack, but my steering is really sloppy in my 92 ( in sig) 111,000 miles, original steering box, new tie rods, drag link and alignment. it has about 2-3" of slop and it does it while the engine is off too. Truck drives straight even at 70mph with no hands on the wheel just a sloppy wheel. Box or steering shaft?
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