Steering loose?

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Dec 9, 2004 | 02:53 PM

#61

cpatv

New User

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 1

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Steering Coupler?

Hi all new to the forum. Have you checked the steering coupler? I had about 3" of freeplay in my steering as well. I had a friend drill and tap the upper portion of the coupler and placed set screws in it to tighten againts the lower shaft. It really helped, but don't get it too tight because it's designed to slip in the event of a front end collision.
Hope this helps.

Chad

Dec 9, 2004 | 03:04 PM

#62

randallc

Senior User

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 252

Likes: 0

From: Vancouver - BC - Canada

Chad:

Welcome to the forums... Thank you for the input I look forward to hearing from you more in the future.

Randall

Dec 17, 2004 | 05:21 PM

#63

snodgrass

Freshman User

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 40

Likes: 0

Hi just wondering

has anyone tried using a steering stabilizer to counteract the drifting problem, such as this I found on a website for sale,

 <TD valign="top" width="200" align="right"> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=bottom align=left>

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD valign="top" width="360" align="left"><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=bottom align=left>EXTRA-HEAVY-DUTY HYDRAULIC STEERING STABILIZER WITH BOOT

For '54-99 pickups, vans, motor homes and Jeep® vehicles
Prevents steering wheel "kick" caused by ruts and potholes
Ensures safer, easier handling at all times, over all roads

Reduces wear on tires and front-end parts. Acts like a powerful shock absorber to protect steering systems against excessive side-to-side motion. Eliminates constant fighting with steering wheel. Driver has complete control when carrying an unbalanced load or when steering balance is upset after original tires are replaced by larger, wider ones. 2-3/8"OD with 1-3/8" bore and 9/16" chrome-plated induction-hardened piston rod. Easy to install. No special tools, welding or modifications needed. Mounting brackets, hardware and instructions included. Replacement boot sold separately.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD>
Let us know if anyone has please.

Dec 18, 2004 | 09:32 PM

#64

Gerry Lutz Jr.

Senior User

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 233

Likes: 0

From: centeral Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by dynamicdesigns

Hi,

This is not the first time I heard about tightening the "screw".

I have a 2004 F350 harley edition with 18" wheels. Only turned 7000mi. today. I told the service manager that the truck is squirelly and all over the road....After looking into it, he came to the conclusion that the 18" wheels and large tires were "partially" to blame.

My old F150 (2002) was squirelly too! With smaller tires. This is definitely a Ford thing.

Does someone have detailed instruction on how to do the adjustment? I would appreciate reading them and giving it a try.

Thanks,
Mark

hi i dont rly have realy detailed insctructions on this but if your looking for perfection or pretty damn close dont just tighten it in my hanes manual it says take off the pitman arms and all that bs but i consulted my neighbor he said u dont rly have to unless your looking 4 true perfection but here is what he told me to do.

#1 k first jack up the front end up

#2 after this have someone else turn your car/truck to full lock.

#3 after its at full lock basically tighten it up a lil but not very tight mostly just flush

#4 dont!! tighten to much the steering box works on a worm gear so whereever it rides on the gear when the car would be going straight will be worn the most. this is why if u tighten to tight u wont be able to turn i wouldnt suspect i tightened mine but i still need a new 1 tellya the truth.

#5 if your looking for perfection take in to consideration tires and rim and the fact that ford trucks have never been very good with front ends especially on keeping them aligned so on but its very important so check that.

Dec 18, 2004 | 10:18 PM

#65

fearfactory

Senior User

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 182

Likes: 0

From: Central,IL

When the guy replaced the steering box he might have forgot to put the lockwasher on when he reinstalled the pitman arm,and the nut may have become loosed.