Hi everyone! I have 75 f250 custom 390 2 wheel drive. I recently had someone steal my truck. They hot wired it and cut the ignition plug right at the very end of the plug. I found My truck 6 blocks away. I called the police and I was able to get my truck back. While i was rewiring the ignition plug. I had to leave for work. When i came home somebody had slashed all four of my tires and smashed my windshield. This is my daily driver. Stupid set of problems to be having. Here is where my issue lies.....I had a tow truck, flat flatbed of course, pick truck up and drop off at tire shop. I helped him load my truck onto the sled. He steered my wheel and I ran the controls. I wasnt there when he dropped it. But shortly afterwards. The tire guys left my truck in the middle of the lot and started replacing truck tires next day. When they finished I showed up and finished wiring my ignition. Refueled the truck. And installed a new fuel filter. After hours of course with their permission. When I grabbed the wheel to move Into a parking spot. The steering wheel spun around and around not stopping. And didn't move the tires at all in the front. It also made knuckle popping and grinding noises when it spun around. My first thought was they disconnected the rag joint. But upon inspection it was still intAct. And the steering box had no play in it prior to the tow. I know cuz I drove it away from thieves house. So how cwould this have happened? It s looking more n more like the steering gear is broke. Any input on how this could've happened. And what I might look for. And what may be wrong with it. Thank you. Mandy

 

Sorry to hear about your bad luck, at least you got it back. But dang stolen truck, cut wires, followed by slashed tires, busted w/s, and now this. The 1st thing that catches my attention is "I wasn't there when he dropped it". I am sure he just tilted the bed and let it slide off? Unless as it slide off and maybe the tires got turned and maybe caught the side rail of the tow truck and then he pulled out from under it and broke something? That is a big maybe though.

2nd thing "The tire guys left my truck in the middle of the lot and started replacing truck tires next day". Did the tire guys try to move it at all? If everything is connected as it should be (and everything is turning all the way to the input shaft of the steering box) and the grinding and popping is coming from the steering box. Sorry to say, sounds like you need a new steering box. Do it right the 1st time and be better off with a quality steering box.

Blue Top https://bluetopsteeringgears-com.3dcartstores.com/

Red Head https://redheadsteeringgears.com/ in Auburn WA

Hang in there. I am sure the scumbags that stole your truck also slashed the tires and busted the W/S...I hope a meteor lands on their house with them in it. 6 blocks away you should be ok.

 

Move away from there! Plenty of good places to go.

 

sounds like the splines on the steering shaft or in the steering wheel are stripped.

 

Get yourself some game cameras and get those thieves and vandals on video!!!!!
Then have them put WHERE they belong!

I agree with the "splines stripped" theory. That is probably the grinding noise you hear.

Good luck...... with both issues....

 

Game cameras....never have stopped a pocher at that moment he pulled the trigger. I have a different way of thinking.

Have someone turn the steering wheel, does the steering shaft coming out the fire wheel turn? Yes 2wd you do not have much coming out of the fire wall and then the "rag" joint and coupler are right there. But it all that turns, then the steering wheel/steering shaft (in the cab part) are not stripped.

Good luck with your lousy 6 blocks away neighbors.

 

I agree Rich..... BUT, rather than shoot GAME in my own yard, I would rather catch that game somewhere else.

Too many legal problems to deal with if the meat wagon comes and scrapes game up off your lawn...... That way, they KNOW who did it.

To quote a saying I have seen....."Don't **** me off, my back yard is already full."

 

Man, if I was repairing my truck over some meth head's repeat bad choices, I would do one of two things: camera surveillance where I park the truck or move to a better location. People have also found creative ways to use SimpliSafe sensors on things besides homes (one guy uses them to guard his wood pile). There's also aftermarket auto security systems.

Now that may all be too much scratch to lay down, so I would understand if you just bought a fake cam with a blinking light or a sign that states the area is under surveillance. Maybe add a blinking red LED to the cab of your truck. Skeever might just decide someone else on your block is the easier target.

I watched a meth head repairing his bike in his driveway one time. It was like that scene from 2001 where the apes discover tools.

Edit: Ha, I'm late to this train.

 

exactly

 

Step one get the truck fixed, step 2 maybe get an old school style club to go on the steering wheel. Yea a determined scumbag can remove the complete steering wheel (with the club installed) and pop on his own. But might be just enough of a visual deterrent, like the blinking light camera. Step 3 add a hidden power cut off switch. Maybe start taking the main coil wire.

Best to not escalate the situation, with violence. (Unless you got the drop on them, they are on your property and Oregon has the "castle law"? Really since said original truck stealing scumbags or their friends (meth head working on bike ?) went to your home and slashed tires and broke the w/s. Best to be as safe and prepared as you can. Unless you have plenty of backyard space, fire at will.

 

GOOD idea!

BETTER idea!