It was worse before the alignment, but new tires did not change it noticeably (those did get rid of the tramp and vibration).

The steering wheel is still a bit to the left when driving straight. The truck does pull slightly to the right.

I'll look at the drag link, and how it might change the geometry. Still think wheel centering is part of a good alignment job, and this one was performed at a dealership. I do recognize it was way off when I brought it in, and one of the front tires had a lot more wear than the other.

 

That is how you center the steering wheel on these trucks.

Not sure on the older ones, but the newer trucks, the steering wheel will only go in one spot, can't change it.

 

It's too cold to crawl under and look right now, besides I'm still battling my cold start problem.

In addition to the findings this morning (documented in that thread), I learned today that I need new hood struts. Fortunately, I was not under the hood when it dropped on its own due to the cold; my multimeter was not damaged either! Until I get new struts, I'm using a broom to hold the hood open.

One other reason for this post... I had enough posts a long time ago to be able to have a signature. This is post #341. Finally created one, and I want to see how it looks.

ETA: Signature is good enough for now. I'll add a picture at some point. Thanks all for everyone's help getting me through through issues and learning about my "free" truck.

 

A hopefully quick and short side thread on how to safely disconnect batteries for electrical service:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post17683578

 

Add your engine model to your signature.

 

Thanks! Done.

ETA: Also added SRW. I'll add the aftermarket mods later.

 

Warn winch controller through Amazon.com: $72.57

GPR-109 (Glow Plug Relay) and anti-gel at Napa: $37.84

Winch works, anti-gel added to tank, GPR in the box sitting on passenger seat.

 

GPR replaced. The old one disintegrated during the swap (pic in the cold-start breakout thread).

Truck started on the 3rd try, it''s been sitting for days and the block heater was not plugged in.

Got more to do, including all fluids (engine oil and brake flush are priorities). But if it starts on Tuesday morning, I'm not going to worry further about the glow plug system. I will plug it in the night before though... Overnight low for then projected to be 4 degrees.

 

Nice read, Keep the information flowing. Happy New Years

 

Good read DogRidesInBack. Thank you for the link!
Jerry

 

Another breakout thread regarding payload capacity. 3,600 pounds in the bed, with pics:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post17847219

 

I would get the alignment taken care of first due to the cost of the brand new tires you just put on there. Nice work so far! You found a nice truck for a great price. Keep us posted!

 

Alignment was done before tires (at the same time as the carrier bearing).

But an update is in order.

Much earlier, I reported that the truck pulls right, and I have to hold the steering wheel a bit left when at cruising speed. This is still true though not as bad as before the alignment, But now I have found when coming to a stop, the truck straightens out perfectly and the steering wheel is absolutely centered when I am at a full stop.

Which means that if an alignment shop were to pull it into the bay, the technician will find the steering center and alignment are correct. So not sure now if there is a problem or if I'm just sensitive and it is the nature of the beast. Not that I expect Mercedes perfection, I know this is not a Mercedes. But it does pull a bit and it is not the tires (replaced) or air pressure (checked both sets of tires) or any of the typical front end wear parts (first it passed my inspection, then Firestone checked it over, and finally the dealership which aligned it also inspected it).

Even the steering box has no significant play. Could use shocks, but I don't think they would cause the symptom. Anyway, I'll be rotating the tires "soon" along with taking care of the overdue oil change. No signs of tramping yet (cupping) but the road noise has increased in the last few hundred miles. I do know worn shocks can cause that.

 

You might be on to something. Shocks can definitely cause cupping and also slight pulling. I have seen that before,especially if one is blown on either side. Ask me how I know.