Debating New Steering Gear
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 5,061
Likes: 1,414
From: Oologah, OK
my '02 Excursion would make horrible cracking noises when turned hard to the left.
it also, did not want to return to neutral, straight ahead w/o a tiny bit of help.
had everything replaced, bearings, u-joints, brakes, rotors,
and now it handles like my '01 K1500 Suburban.
which is very nice.
I also replaced the AT tires, a set of ultra cheap shinesium crap, with Michelin LTX Defenders, 285/74R/16 on stock steel rims.
it also, did not want to return to neutral, straight ahead w/o a tiny bit of help.
had everything replaced, bearings, u-joints, brakes, rotors,
and now it handles like my '01 K1500 Suburban.
which is very nice.
I also replaced the AT tires, a set of ultra cheap shinesium crap, with Michelin LTX Defenders, 285/74R/16 on stock steel rims.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,654
Likes: 979
From: Near Yosemite CA
Ok, just tightened the pitman nut on my F350 and I can confirm it is 1" 5/16" which is the wrench I bought, or 34mm I think, honkered down on it, heading down to fresburg tomorrow so we'll see how it feels. 98.6734% sure it will take away the jittery wander!
Trailering
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 23
Likes: 5
How's your truck doin? I recently replaced all the steering and rebuilt the entire front end on my 7.3 with 140k. I also did a Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer kit. Got an alignment (I'm sure just factory spec) and I still have the same 11-1 with almost no steering input. Do you think tightening the pitman arm will resolve it? It returns to center just fine. New Ball joints felt great. Driving around town it doesn't bother me too much but Towing through the plains of WY was pretty terrible with having to constantly correct it. If tightening the pitman arm doesn't fix it then can I tighten the box itself? I had a 67 mustang that that's all it needed. If none of that works, what's the best replacement box?
5th Wheeling
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Palmyra, PA
Got the two new front tires back in Oct/Nov and shop confirmed pitman arm nut was tight. That helped a lot with the wander. To me, still a lot of slop in steering but no pulling and not significant wander. Definitely not a tight steering as a modern vehicle. I think I am just getting used to it. Once funds are available, will invest in new springs and shocks and Helwig rear sway bar. Haven't tried adjusting the box yet.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,654
Likes: 979
From: Near Yosemite CA
How's your truck doin? I recently replaced all the steering and rebuilt the entire front end on my 7.3 with 140k. I also did a Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer kit. Got an alignment (I'm sure just factory spec) and I still have the same 11-1 with almost no steering input. Do you think tightening the pitman arm will resolve it? It returns to center just fine. New Ball joints felt great. Driving around town it doesn't bother me too much but Towing through the plains of WY was pretty terrible with having to constantly correct it. If tightening the pitman arm doesn't fix it then can I tighten the box itself? I had a 67 mustang that that's all it needed. If none of that works, what's the best replacement box?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 890
Likes: 156
From: Gainesville
How's your truck doin? I recently replaced all the steering and rebuilt the entire front end on my 7.3 with 140k. I also did a Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer kit. Got an alignment (I'm sure just factory spec) and I still have the same 11-1 with almost no steering input. Do you think tightening the pitman arm will resolve it? It returns to center just fine. New Ball joints felt great. Driving around town it doesn't bother me too much but Towing through the plains of WY was pretty terrible with having to constantly correct it. If tightening the pitman arm doesn't fix it then can I tighten the box itself? I had a 67 mustang that that's all it needed. If none of that works, what's the best replacement box?
My opinion: either keep purchasing remans or get the PSC. The PSC and Borgeson lower steering shaft were the two (2) most important changes I made to get my steering so I don’t even think about it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 5,061
Likes: 1,414
From: Oologah, OK
PSC. It is not a rebuilt box. You don’t turn in your old box because they don’t want. Inside their box are bigger better parts. At least that was what one of their Techs said to me.
My opinion: either keep purchasing remans or get the PSC. The PSC and Borgeson lower steering shaft were the two (2) most important changes I made to get my steering so I don’t even think about it.
My opinion: either keep purchasing remans or get the PSC. The PSC and Borgeson lower steering shaft were the two (2) most important changes I made to get my steering so I don’t even think about it.
Does it Return to Center after a full 90* turn at an Intersection?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 890
Likes: 156
From: Gainesville
It turns like any other vehicle I own, like our 07 Mustang GT, 03 ZO6, 12 Jetta and 84 S-10.
To me, the steering is on the light/sensitive side. Kind of like my old 97 Expedition. I installed a Bilstein 5100 steering dampener, which helped a little. I’m glad I didn’t order the steering assist option, which is for rock climbers.
With everything else, except the original Pitman arm, being new Ford Motorcraft parts except for the Borgeson lower steering arm and SPC camber/caster bushings/sleeves, the Ex steers where I point it and it stays on point until I move the steering wheel.
You will not be disappointed with the PSC performance.
Just remember to flush your system to get rid of the old Ford fluid and use GM steering fluid, as instructed in the directions.
Good luck.
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