Solid Axle Steering Question
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 453
Likes: 2
From: Bitterroots of Montana
Solid Axle Steering Question
My steering in my F350 4x4 got a little sloppy after I installed an RSK with SD springs. I'm pretty sure I never noticed this before...
What happens is when I turn right, the steering wheel stays cocked a few degrees to the right, and when I turn left, it returns to near center. I can feel a bit of slip just after I start turning.
Last night, I checked things out, and it turns out that the cross link (the tie rods connecting the front wheels) is rotating on its lengthwise axis, which is the slip I feel at the steering wheel. I can also manually rotate the tie rods, but I don't feel any excessive looseness.
All the steering gear was replaced a few years ago by me using Mevotech parts (I'm not sold on the quality, especially compared to Moog), so they don't have too many miles on them.
Also, the RSK didn't lift the truck more than 3/4", so I did not add a drop pitman link or change any other components outside of the springs and mounts.
Is this a normal sign of steering linkage wear, or does it sound like something else?
I am going to replace the tie rod ends.
Thanks
What happens is when I turn right, the steering wheel stays cocked a few degrees to the right, and when I turn left, it returns to near center. I can feel a bit of slip just after I start turning.
Last night, I checked things out, and it turns out that the cross link (the tie rods connecting the front wheels) is rotating on its lengthwise axis, which is the slip I feel at the steering wheel. I can also manually rotate the tie rods, but I don't feel any excessive looseness.
All the steering gear was replaced a few years ago by me using Mevotech parts (I'm not sold on the quality, especially compared to Moog), so they don't have too many miles on them.
Also, the RSK didn't lift the truck more than 3/4", so I did not add a drop pitman link or change any other components outside of the springs and mounts.
Is this a normal sign of steering linkage wear, or does it sound like something else?
I am going to replace the tie rod ends.
Thanks
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 453
Likes: 2
From: Bitterroots of Montana
I'll answer my own question after some googling:
It is called drag link or tie rod roll and can be due to wear in the tie rod ends or excessive lift without using a drop pitman.
I must have enough wear for it to become noticeable after my RSK which netted less than an inch of lift.
Might look at a new drag link and a ruffstuff bushing called The Cure.
I was never really happy with the Mevotech drag link, which felt like rough metal on metal when rotating the tie rod after I installed it.
It is called drag link or tie rod roll and can be due to wear in the tie rod ends or excessive lift without using a drop pitman.
I must have enough wear for it to become noticeable after my RSK which netted less than an inch of lift.
Might look at a new drag link and a ruffstuff bushing called The Cure.
I was never really happy with the Mevotech drag link, which felt like rough metal on metal when rotating the tie rod after I installed it.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 6,815
Likes: 708
From: Tobyhanma, PA
I'm getting ready to do an RSK myself. I looked up "the cure" from ruffstuff. It mentions that its designed for GM 1 ton tie rod ends. Will this work for us, too? Any modifications required?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 453
Likes: 2
From: Bitterroots of Montana
From what I understand, the 1-Ton "cure" has a larger diameter bolt hole, so would likely squish around under pressure, likely leading to it bulging out.
There is a nice write up on powerstroke nation where a guy made his own.
Also, I think the Moog problem solver version of the right inner tie rod that has a rubber version of the "cure". I will probably get the Moog part, and see if the roll is cured, and if not, then look into making my own version of the "cure" to fit.
There is a nice write up on powerstroke nation where a guy made his own.
Also, I think the Moog problem solver version of the right inner tie rod that has a rubber version of the "cure". I will probably get the Moog part, and see if the roll is cured, and if not, then look into making my own version of the "cure" to fit.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Stanislaw
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
38
Apr 23, 2015 01:48 PM
