Steering Gear Question
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 661
From: South AR
Yeah hate to break it to you but Rockauto Motorcraft is the one I put in. It’s a reman..
I just found one other issue with my truck last night when we were replacing brakes and rotors. I found one of my tires was wearing badly and part of the steering issue compounding everything was the fact that one of my auto lockers was still locked. UGH. When Locked it makes a really funky noise so either the auto hub is shot or I’ve got bigger problems now... I am getting rid of the auto lockers now and just ordered some manuals.
I will say I just put on some power stop Z 36 extreme duty brakes and rotors and man I think My passenger had to put his hand on the dash the first time I did the aggressive braking portion of the brake and rotor seating process.
I just found one other issue with my truck last night when we were replacing brakes and rotors. I found one of my tires was wearing badly and part of the steering issue compounding everything was the fact that one of my auto lockers was still locked. UGH. When Locked it makes a really funky noise so either the auto hub is shot or I’ve got bigger problems now... I am getting rid of the auto lockers now and just ordered some manuals.
I will say I just put on some power stop Z 36 extreme duty brakes and rotors and man I think My passenger had to put his hand on the dash the first time I did the aggressive braking portion of the brake and rotor seating process.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
So, new box is in. Issue persists. It does seem to drive better, some improvement, but its still loose. Video of new box, you can see the issue looks the same as the first video i posted. I think its a little stiffer than the first box (after I tightened the first as well). I'll send a message to Lares, see what they say. The movement in the video is only at the box, no movement at all on pitman arm side. Rag joint seems fine. Not sure why the box isn't tighter thus making the steering wheel tighter. Hmmmm.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 83
Likes: 5
I went through this ordeal. Replaced front end stuff (ball joints, tie rods, etc). Steering was still sloppy. Replaced the steering damper. Helped but still sloppy. Noticed my cab to frame bumper cushions were shot and replaced those and the steering is now fine. Guess it wasn't all steering but the cab flopping around. Truck rides much better. Did not buy OEM as only two are rubbery type material and the others are angel good cake or something; bought poly kit off Amazon. The OEM stuff is pretty much trash.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 83
Likes: 5
Crawl under. Four of the bumper things are yellowish in color and they were basically trash; just parts of them in place. Ther ones in the center of the cab are black and a rubber type materials and the ones at the rear were torn visibly and the ones up from under the hood were actually in decent shape. You can see these by turning your steering wheel and looking behind a wheel. The ones under the cab are sandwiched between frame and cab. Easy to see. There are bumpers in back where the springs can contact the frame and these are also made out of the yellowish stuff and mine were almost totally gone. These take just a few minutes to change but I doubt affect ride any but are there to prevent the springs from klunking on the frame.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
I showed this video to Lares, they say the new box is defective and I should replace it. As such, hopefully third time is the charm here. Uhg.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 751
Likes: 94
From: Pagosa Springs CO.
I have posted on this thread before about what I think is my steering box, but now I'm questioning my shocks and air bags and maybe my tires.
I carry a 1800 lb slide in camper, driving on the freeway in hot NM yesterday any variation in road surface caused the truck "wallow" for a second and cause an easily over correction thought I was going roll, scared the hell out of me. PO installed new Monroe something or other shocks front and rear, might have 7k on them. Falken lr E @ 70 lbs air bags@ 12 lbs.
Not sure if this is where to post, any suggestions?
On a previous post, all front steering components are new accept steering box.
00' 250 sd
I carry a 1800 lb slide in camper, driving on the freeway in hot NM yesterday any variation in road surface caused the truck "wallow" for a second and cause an easily over correction thought I was going roll, scared the hell out of me. PO installed new Monroe something or other shocks front and rear, might have 7k on them. Falken lr E @ 70 lbs air bags@ 12 lbs.
Not sure if this is where to post, any suggestions?
On a previous post, all front steering components are new accept steering box.
00' 250 sd
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,648
Likes: 894
From: north of Minneapolis, MN
I have posted on this thread before about what I think is my steering box, but now I'm questioning my shocks and air bags and maybe my tires.
I carry a 1800 lb slide in camper, driving on the freeway in hot NM yesterday any variation in road surface caused the truck "wallow" for a second and cause an easily over correction thought I was going roll, scared the hell out of me. PO installed new Monroe something or other shocks front and rear, might have 7k on them. Falken lr E @ 70 lbs air bags@ 12 lbs.
Not sure if this is where to post, any suggestions?
On a previous post, all front steering components are new accept steering box.
00' 250 sd
I carry a 1800 lb slide in camper, driving on the freeway in hot NM yesterday any variation in road surface caused the truck "wallow" for a second and cause an easily over correction thought I was going roll, scared the hell out of me. PO installed new Monroe something or other shocks front and rear, might have 7k on them. Falken lr E @ 70 lbs air bags@ 12 lbs.
Not sure if this is where to post, any suggestions?
On a previous post, all front steering components are new accept steering box.
00' 250 sd
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 113
Likes: 1
I had a similar deal with my 2007 and finally bit the bullet and bought a Red Head Extreme duty steering gear. Pricy for sure but it is essentially a F550 steering gear and my truck now feels like it is on rails.
And don't forget about increasing castor. 4.5 deg. was my lucky number...
And don't forget about increasing castor. 4.5 deg. was my lucky number...
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 131
Likes: 14
From: Baltimore
Same boat here, but on my '01 with 271k on it. Same amount of play. Was thinking about doing the Red Head steering box but have heard some complaints, so I will probably do an OEM reman. Keep us posted.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,093
Likes: 147
From: San Diego, CA
I also went a more budget-conscious route than a Red Head and got a Blue-Top. I was very happy with it.
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