Hey guys, Looking for some help on which way to go. I have been having steering issues with this truck since I bought it. I've been dealing with it since its not my daily driver but its time I get it fixed. Thanks to the forum members and moderators who did the tech section. I have used it to help track this issue down but I need some help. The issue I have been having is it seems to have a slight bind somewhere but its constant through the steering wheel motion. I can come out of a curve and it will straighten itself up somewhat but not entirely. When I am tracking down the road straight it will go to where the wheel is pointing and not really track by itself straight. A slight nudge of the wheel then letting go and it will go the direction of the nudge and not correct itself back straight if that makes sense. I have checked the stuff below but I think the next step is replacing the steering linkages. I have dropped the tie rods off and if I put a small screwdriver through the cotter pin hole of the joint at the end of the tie rod it does spin but seems tight and one side seems to catch slightly, not sure If thats ok but this drag has got to be coming from somewhere. I am thinking of replacing the complete steering linkage as it is original as far as I can tell. After that the steering box and pitman arm would be next. any thoughts?

* Adjusted steering box both directions and found a good balence. There is little play in the steering and have observed the pitman arm during movement and it seems tight with the shaft
* Replaced steering stabilizer cylinder
* I replaced both wheel hubs when I bought the truck last year and they rotate fine with no binding
* Brakes are fine and not binding anywhere
* Ball joints look good to me as well as two different alignment shops I trust
* Alignment has been verified by two different shops. Both shops said it has almost perfect specs which they hardly ever see on a 7.3 that old
* I did the wheel rotation test with the steering removed and the weight of the truck on the tire. The spec is 100 ft/lbs or so from a video i watched. I didn't get out the the torque wrench as both sides could be turned by hand pretty easily.
* Nothing visibly wrong with the steering linkage joints, all boots greased and intact
* 4WD universal joints look good and I can spin them by hand very freely

 

Do you have the alignment results to refer to for us? I'm hearing up to 5 degrees of caster may be needed to help our trucks track straight, and return to straight after a turn.

 

Sounds like the steering box is to tight. If it don't come back that is usually the problem. Back it off a little and see what happens after driving a bit. If that don't work, sounds like you need a new box with what you have said.

 

I’ve been back and forth on the box. I’ll try backing it off again. I didn’t get the alignment specs but maybe they have them stored in their system. I did see where 5 degrees caster is helpful but you would need something to do that as they aren’t adjustable from the factory. I’m guessing the caster is needed for spring sag over the years if everything else is good idk.

 

I believe the caster is more related to the steering wander that is common. Not binding

 

That’s been my train of thought. If things are too loose you would need help to center it. If it’s like sticking there has to be something in the mix causing it. Binding linkage, steering box, ball joints ect

 

I systematically replaced everything in my steering to get it better but that was due to wander. Even though my ball joints tested by the standard test OK they were aged and dry. It caused them to do very similar to what you were referring to. There is no bind but it certainly followed any imperfection in the road And would not come to Center. You also are likely dealing with a worn steering box.
As your doing check all the parts systematically and replace as needed. I found a pretty much needed to replace the entire thing I replaced everything except the Pitman arm. It got a little bit better with everything. I left the ball joints to last because they tested mechanically OK but they were the final solution that cleared The last bit of wander up. Again I know you’re having more of what you described as binding.
edit... I see you did the friction test. That is what I was referring to. Apparently I need to learn to read the whole thing. if you’ve tested all the other linkages systematically through I bet you’re just dealing with a worn steering box. It happens

 

Thanks for the reply. I’ve pretty much resigned myself that I’m going to have to replace everything before it’s over. Usually in auto repair you find the smoking gun item that is the fix. On the steering of these trucks I think it’s cumulative things over time. I just want it to drive like a normal vehicle lol

 

yeah I did not know that wander was not normal until a buddy of mine who had a job working on a fleet of 7.3‘s in the early 2000s drove my truck and told me what the hell. I have seen it posted many times over with different experiences of pretty much at this age most of the parts in the steering have worn to the point of replacement if hasnt already been done. Mine was low miles but still needed it. Each individual thing made it better but it wasn’t until I replaced everything that it really tightened up. My next step after replacing everything was to consider the caster. But I’m happy with how driving now.

 

I appreciate your response. In my research it seemed it was hard to find the 5 degree adjustment piece. I have a machine shop at home. I’d I can see one I could replicate it. I’ll post up if that’s the case. Thanks again