Hey y'all, just noticed this thing the other day. I have a 96 f250 2wd xlt auto with 91,000 miles on it. When it's idling, if I turn the steering wheel, or roll the windows up or down, the rpms go down by about 40 and then jump back up to normal again when I stop. Is this normal???

 

Not an issue. You are changing the load the truck sees and it is acting appropriately. The same as it does when the AC kicks on. 40 rpm is minimal

 

agreed. that is nothing more than the alternator drawing a little more power to compensate for the required load.

 

Dont underestimate it might also be a short in the wiring. Check your if you aint got wires exposed to the window gear thingy? Thats what happen with mine to even when I set the cruise the truck felt like it was cutting off when ever i try to roll my passenger rear window down.

 

A short wouldn't be affected by the steering. The common denominator between the two is the belt. Added load of the p/s pump or the alternator could cause the belt to deflect, if it's a little loose. Inspection of the tensioner and belt would be in order.

 

I've replaced the belt three times and just had the belt tensioner replaced about4 months ago because the belt tensioner was warped and caused the two belts to wear on one side. It was bad. But no more belt squeaks and a brand new tensioner. So all good there

 

^^^^ Then I'd say you're okay. As a "belt-and-suspenders" confirmation, you could watch the belt for deflection while someone operates the windows and turns the steering wheel.