Steering slop
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Steering slop
Ok, F-150 in sig w/ superlift's superrunner steering system, dual steering dampers, brand new steering box w/ about 10k mi on it now....so basically the whole steering system has been re-done.
When I first put it in, the steering was great..nice and tight and I loved it. After 10k mi everything is loose again, pretty much back to where it was before I changed everything. When going down the highway I can turn the wheel back and forth about 3 maybe 4" each way and not really get much for steering input. It makes it a pain in the butt to keep it straight on bumpy roads when flyin down the highway because you constantly have to over correct. I know there is an adjustment on the steering box, but I'm afraid to touch it. Should I adjust that slop out with the steering box or is there something else for me to do instead.
When I first put it in, the steering was great..nice and tight and I loved it. After 10k mi everything is loose again, pretty much back to where it was before I changed everything. When going down the highway I can turn the wheel back and forth about 3 maybe 4" each way and not really get much for steering input. It makes it a pain in the butt to keep it straight on bumpy roads when flyin down the highway because you constantly have to over correct. I know there is an adjustment on the steering box, but I'm afraid to touch it. Should I adjust that slop out with the steering box or is there something else for me to do instead.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,959
Likes: 9
From: USA
If you do adjust the steering box, go in VERY SMALL increments, as tightening it too much can ruin the box. I learned this the hard way on my Bronco about 10 years ago. Are you sure the box is sloppy, and not your ball joints or tie rod ends? You can also check your lower steering column slip joint and rag/u-joint where it goes into the box. I've had those wear out (bad slip joint was on a body lifted truck, not enough shaft slid inside). Oh, and don't forget to check your steering box mounting bolts. I almost lost my steering on the highway in the Bronco some years ago because all the bolts were loose and one didn't even have the nut on it anymore. Had a box come loose on a Chevy before too.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Mine don't have nuts, just bolts go through the frame and screw into the box. I know it's not the ball joints or tie rod ends, all been replaced. It was loose when I bought the truck, then I put the new box in and it was nice and tight, then loosened up again, so I assume it's the box. I have heard about the overtightening of the box, which is why I'm a little hesitant to mess with it. The steering just aggrivates me sometimes and am looking to see if I can improve.
How can you tell if the box is overtightened? Can you feel binding when turning?
How can you tell if the box is overtightened? Can you feel binding when turning?
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 0
From: CT
did you check wheel bearings are tight as they can add some slop. I find it hard to believe that your gear box is already going soft on you after 10k, check for excessive play in the rag joint and the upper u-joint if there is play, replace them
