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1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

Stiff steering

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Old Mar 10, 2020 | 01:41 PM
  #1  
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jackstar
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Stiff steering

I have a 1997 F250 CC Automatic 7.3 and I am brand new to the "power steering" of this truck. In other trucks I have had the steering is much more "powered" as in you can steer with very little effort. The exception was when I had a 2004 F250 6.0 with the Off Road package and I was told it was stiff due to steering damping. I dont know if that is true or not but is there something to be done that would ease the steering up a bit or a lot on my 97? Thanks.
 
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Old Mar 11, 2020 | 12:00 PM
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is it all the time, or only sitting at idle?
low air pressure in the tires, oversize tires. and old power steering fluid will cause this.
 
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Old Mar 11, 2020 | 12:32 PM
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It is all the time as though it is “supposed to be like that”.
 
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Old Mar 11, 2020 | 03:51 PM
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tjc transport
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you should be able to steer the truck while driving with one finger, and single hand turn while stopped.
it is possible the power steering is not working. is the truck new to you, or have you had it a while
 
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Old Mar 11, 2020 | 04:11 PM
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It is new to me. My ‘77 F250 CS can be steered with one finger. But this one is more “firm”. I would like to “loosen” the steering to make it more finger friendly.
 
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Old Mar 11, 2020 | 05:15 PM
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tjc transport
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well, one thing to remember is that rig has IFS front suspension and there are a lot more moving parts than a solid axle truck has.
i have not driven an IFS truck since 87, so honestly i can't say whether it was stiff or not. just can't remember.
 
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