New member here. I just picked up an 01 f250 sd with 227k on it. It has*the slack in the steering that I noticed is a normal issue. I have read alot of possible solutions and just wanted some feedback. I have changed all the tie rod ends and all the ball joints along with the power steering pump and the steering damper. It looks to have a reman. Gear box on it and I have tried adjusting the box however I still have problems keeping it between the lines. I am considering the redhead or maybe a cheap used box just to see if it improves the issue before dropping a $400 redhead. Any advise on anything else to try?
Thanks guys, the wealth of knowledge here is staggering
Chris

 

i chased this issue on a 99 and my friends 2001 did all the same stuff as you did plus redhead box. with both out trucks u wouldn't want to have a drink cause even with out one you would be swerving.

final fix was installing a caster kits.
that helped more than all other items together.
actually mine drove fine until i replaced the ball joints with atermarket one that were probably to stiff
i think the extra caster helped over come the extra resistance in the joints

 

Assuming you checked all the ball joints and unit bearings?

 

I just picked up an 02 f250 7.3. It does have a lil play in the wheel, but when I got on some slushy roads.....it was almost impossible to control? The roads weren't even that bad. On dry pavement it handles pretty good. Confused?

 

It's pretty easy to diagnose a sloppy steering gear.

If the input shaft rotates but the Pittman arm doesn't, the gear is worn internally or has too much slack. No rocket science on this one.

 

Thanx for the tip! I'm all new to Ford's, and all new to the diesels also!

 

What caster kit did you use.. I am considering puttting Tough country 2 degree shims up front..

thanks

 

Check the idler arm. its the one that is bolted to the tie rod on the frame passenger side. It holds up the drag link. It has a ball joint and they go bad also.

 

Also check the steering column itself. There's a slip joint in there, under the hood.