wickedx - Yes, the process you describe is what needs to be done when the steering box has too much slack or play in it. But you must be careful not to overtighten that screw, or you can wear out the gears in that box prematurely. I know 'cause I did it on another car when I was a kid.

 

There is a TSB that Ford has issued about steering wander, stiff steering, and poor returnability after a turn. It is TSB# 01-3-2 and I believe it is for 99-01 Excursions. Basically if an alignment doesn't cure the wander, the truck should under go a steering knuckle torque test. While on the alignment rack, remove tierods, placing bolts with nuts in tierod holes. Take a click type torque wrench set at 100 ft lbs and put on bolts with the wrench facing forwards and turn each knuckle outwards. If the wrench clicks before the wheel turns, the torque is unacceptable and ball joints should be replaced. Lower replaced with new greasable version P/N 1C3Z-3050-AB and the upper with current P/N F6TZ-3049-AA. Hope this helps.

 

I have a set of LandYots Radius Rods and they are awesome. I too tow a 7500 28 1/2 foot camper and I drive with one hand when semi's pass me. I do have the reese dual cam hitch set up too. I have Bilstein shocks and Helwig sway bar and the truck is awesome. I have a link for a couple of picture's of them.
http://www.fordexcursions.com/forums...page=11&rpp=10

 

Hey guys. Forget all the stuff about tire pressure, steering box adjustment, and ball joints. Fix the problem at the rear axle with LANDYOTs radius rods. This is the 80% solution. If you have no anti-sway bar, get a Hellwig as well.

I tow a 9000 lb 32 foot travel trailer and really have no concerns (or sore muscles) at end of a 600 mile towing day--even with cross-winds. Go for the radius rods. Best money you can spend.

 

Had my ball joints replaced today on my 2001 limited V10. I also drove a new 2005 Eddie Bauer. I'd say after the ball joints, I'm 95% the steering quality of the 2005. The ball joints are the Moog greasable type. I am interested in Landyots radius bars, but where are they available?

 

Rcmoneypit - I apologize if the following sounds like I'm avoiding your question, but FTE guidelines forbid me from answering your question. I am merely a guest on this website, not a paying-sponsor, and I wish to retain my posting privileges here. Sorry, <<Ken E.>>

 

FWIW, I've a 2004 4x4. Factory installed towing package (rear sway bar). Steering, like all X, is a tad vague. Towing either a boat trailer or my travel trailer, it's steady as could be.

 

Get some Landyot radius rods, add a Hellwig bar and upgrade your shocks. If there's nothing mechanically wrong with your truck it will steer straight and easy. Just don't expect this to work with big tires on 10 inch rims. I recently went to 295 tires down from 35's and it's like driving a different vehicle. You have to get some of Landyot's radius rods though - they are the key.

 

You'd be surprised at how much better the Hellwig rear anti-swaybar feels in comparison to the OEM unit. I'm ready to replace my front OEM anti-swaybar with a Hellwig bar because they are so much more stout.

 

I tow a 34' TT with a hensley arrow and never had any problems. I had not driven my Ex in some time and I was driving my other trucks. And now it seems that the truck steers like garbage, maybe it steered bad all along but I was just used to it. I,m not afraid to spend the money,I would just like to know if LAND YOTS rods will fix my problem. I can't put my finger on how it steers, I just know I don't like it, how it is. Any more testimonials for these radius rods would be great. Thanks

 

A few (over 100) can be found here ...
http://www.fordexcursions.com/forums...?threadid=2417

And some more at this FTE post ...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=216993

 

Thank You VERY MUCH! It looks like others have had my same problems and your radius rods solved the problem. My down payment check will be in the mail tommorow.