Notices
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel 2003 - 2007 F250, F350 pickup and F350+ Cab Chassis, 2003 - 2005 Excursion and 2003 - 2009 van

Sluggish steering

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 24, 2022 | 12:44 AM
  #1  
Hartwig's Avatar
Hartwig
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Photogenic
Shutterbug
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 2,811
Likes: 1,911
From: unfortunately Germany
Club FTE Gold Member
Sluggish steering

All lifted trucks with bigger wheels (35" and up) I have driven so far are hard to steer when maneuvering (idle rpms).
Is there a way to improve the steering assistance? Maybe increase the pressure of the steering pump?
My own truck is stock, but even there the steering could be a little smoother.
 
Reply
Old Mar 24, 2022 | 07:16 AM
  #2  
TooManyToys.'s Avatar
TooManyToys.
Hotshot
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,834
Likes: 3,122
From: Jersey Shore
The problem is the high scrub radius on these trucks, Hartwig. It also makes it harder to turn the steering when at a stop with the brakes on. Taller tires lower the scrub radius, but the width of the tires and the need to often move the tire centerline outward because of the width negates the height advantage and often makes it worse.

There are kits to alter the steering with ram cylinder assist, similar to the '65-'66 Mustang power steering, but I have no experience with them.​​​​​​​





 
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2022 | 06:59 AM
  #3  
Fuzzpuss's Avatar
Fuzzpuss
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 941
From: Fort Worth, TX
Then there is the Dieselsite power steering pulley overdrive kit. Never tried one but always wondered if it makes a difference.

https://www.dieselsite.com/dieselsit...superduty.aspx
 
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2022 | 07:37 AM
  #4  
TooManyToys.'s Avatar
TooManyToys.
Hotshot
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,834
Likes: 3,122
From: Jersey Shore
He states it increases volume, but the issue is increased pressure. It will do that, he should have stated it that way.
 
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2022 | 09:57 AM
  #5  
Fuzzpuss's Avatar
Fuzzpuss
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 941
From: Fort Worth, TX
The other question I have about it is how much faster will it wear out the power steering pump?
 
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2022 | 05:58 PM
  #6  
Motohead911's Avatar
Motohead911
Laughing Gas
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 934
Likes: 248
From: CA
Hartwig, how far done the rabbit hole do you want to go? But being in Germany and having to import most everything for your truck, Jack's suggestion might work best for you. Another option would be to replace the steering box with one from a 2013-16 truck. Those are suppose to help with the turning you are looking for and improve the overall steering feel.
 
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2022 | 06:19 PM
  #7  
TooManyToys.'s Avatar
TooManyToys.
Hotshot
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,834
Likes: 3,122
From: Jersey Shore
I've heard those can help but never really followed the modification.
 
Reply

Trending Topics

Old Mar 26, 2022 | 02:48 AM
  #8  
Hartwig's Avatar
Hartwig
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Photogenic
Shutterbug
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 2,811
Likes: 1,911
From: unfortunately Germany
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by Motohead911
Hartwig, how far done the rabbit hole do you want to go? But being in Germany and having to import most everything for your truck, Jack's suggestion might work best for you. Another option would be to replace the steering box with one from a 2013-16 truck. Those are suppose to help with the turning you are looking for and improve the overall steering feel.
Is the attachment to the frame the same as 03-07 models?
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Mar 26, 2022 | 08:54 AM
  #9  
Fuzzpuss's Avatar
Fuzzpuss
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 941
From: Fort Worth, TX
I've never heard anything about it. You'd think the 6.0L crowd would be all over the 2013-16 steering gear mod if it was easy enough. Which makes me wonder, in addition to the frame attachment, how well do our hoses and steering column fit?
 
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2022 | 09:27 AM
  #10  
Hartwig's Avatar
Hartwig
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Photogenic
Shutterbug
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 2,811
Likes: 1,911
From: unfortunately Germany
Club FTE Gold Member
That's an interesting question. I don't know, but I can't imagine that nothing has been changed here. I only know that - depending on the MY - there are different part numbers for the servo lines and hydroboost lines between 03 and 07 trucks
 
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2022 | 10:17 AM
  #11  
Motohead911's Avatar
Motohead911
Laughing Gas
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 934
Likes: 248
From: CA
Originally Posted by Hartwig
Is the attachment to the frame the same as 03-07 models?
Hartwig, the bolt pattern is the same, but the holts need to be enlarged. If i remember correctly the mounting bolts go up a size. Ie M14 to M16.
 
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2022 | 10:20 AM
  #12  
Hartwig's Avatar
Hartwig
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Photogenic
Shutterbug
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 2,811
Likes: 1,911
From: unfortunately Germany
Club FTE Gold Member
Thank you.
are the pitman arms on both steering gearboxes the same too?
 
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2022 | 11:07 AM
  #13  
TooManyToys.'s Avatar
TooManyToys.
Hotshot
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,834
Likes: 3,122
From: Jersey Shore
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Dieselcyrus
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
3
Aug 29, 2021 07:54 AM
lizardking1
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
0
Nov 21, 2015 10:51 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:38 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE