I have an 83 f350 4x4 that has been experiencing some front end steering issues. It wanders pretty bad on the road and the steering wheel doesn't like to return. Ball joints, rag joint, tie rods, steering box have all been replaced and still has these issues. Steering column is fine and frame isn't bent. I am at a loss for what else could be causing this. Any help is appreciated.

 

Tires can cause wandering. Oversize Mud Tires will wander depending on tread pattern. Overfilled tires (too much air) can feel like wandering.

If someone tried to adjust the steering box (by tightening the adjustment bolt) and went too tight, that can result in steering box (sticking) not wanting to return to center.

Also if there is too much caster angle, steering will be a little slower to return to center - just as too little caster will result in steering wander. An alignment shop can easily check this. Just to add when the truck bed is empty (back end up) the caster will be less. Bed loaded, caster increases. But if alignment is within specs this won't be an issue.

 

Caster checks out ok, it is at the shop right now and I asked about that. Have had 3 steering boxes put in, same issues.

Could it be axle pivot bushing on the TTB, along with radius arm bushings?

I do have some oversize m/t tires on it, but the issue seems to be progressing, 4x4 shop its at said the tire size wouldn't cause as much wander as it has.

 

Cracked frame and flexing behind the box?, Must remove the box to inspect.

Remove the front bumper and turn from R-to-L watch to see if the frame horns move with the turning

 

Is the truck lifted?
Excessive steering linkage angles (pitman arm to tie-rods) can cause issues. Usually a steering stabilizer will help that.

I have seen radius arm bushing "wallow out" where the arm could move up and down in the bushing. That would definitely affect steering. But a good alignment shop would check for that.

 

no lift kit, but another place i took it to for this issue said pitman was ok. I think im going to have this place do the axle pivot bushing and the rad arms. That's all i can really think that hasn't been addressed and my wallet is taking a beating from this truck

I do have a leveling kit and it has a special pitman arm for it.

 

Tell the place you take it to you want it fixed. They will drive it to find out how it drives and what might be wrong with it. Then they will check for worn parts and give recommendations and how much it will cost and you go from there. If you tell them "do this" or "do that" out of thin air, they will gladly do it and charge you for the work. Tell them you want it fixed, whatever it takes.

 

Don't miss this! Dad's frame was cracked right behind the sector box and it had never been mistreated nor had large tires on it.