Steering Adjustment
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New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 16
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From: CALI
Steering Adjustment
Can anyone give me instructions on how to tighten the steering on my EX. It feels like a dam golf-cart on the freeway and I have so much play in the wheel that when I try to correct any movement I end up all over the freeway.
Now I have 2003 Ex 4x4 with Fabtech 5.5 Spring Lift. Rancho 5000's, 35" BFG mud terrains, and Hellwig swaybar. The dam thing keeps swaying all over the place.
Any and all HELP! is greatly appreciated...
Now I have 2003 Ex 4x4 with Fabtech 5.5 Spring Lift. Rancho 5000's, 35" BFG mud terrains, and Hellwig swaybar. The dam thing keeps swaying all over the place.
Any and all HELP! is greatly appreciated...
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 356
Likes: 1
From: Washington DC
If by steering adjustment you mean the gear box, you should not have to adjust that to tighten up your steering. With the mods that you did, chances are that the toe-in and camber are off causing the problem. Bad toe-in will make the car feel like there is slop in the gear box and will get worse at highway speeds.
I'd get the front end checked at a shop that does lifts and mods like this.
Big Mike
'00 Limited 4x4 (5 years old this month)
I'd get the front end checked at a shop that does lifts and mods like this.
Big Mike
'00 Limited 4x4 (5 years old this month)
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From: CALI
Well, we'll see what happends. I'm taking it in tomorow, lets see what they tell me. Wish me luck... Thanks for the response. 
Has anybody else had really loose steering that resulted in needing more tow-in and camber adjusting?
Has anybody else had really loose steering that resulted in needing more tow-in and camber adjusting?
New User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 13
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From: Las Vega$
It sounds like I had the same problem, truck would wander back and forth in the lane like I was drunk...had the alignment done and was told both wheels were pointing out. After the alignment the truck was alot better, maybe not 100 % but probably 90
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 356
Likes: 1
From: Washington DC
Something to keep in mind regarding suspension modifications. Anytime you install body and spring lifts, large tires, heavy duty off road shocks, sway bars, drag links, etc. you change the steering geometry of the vehicle. You should always have the alignment checked and set when doing any type of suspension work really.
It is best to take your vehicle to a shop that specializes in truck alignments and 4x4 suspensions. Most areas have shops like this near by or in town. They will know the best setting to make up for the larger heavy duty equipment you have installed to get the best ride possible. And sometimes you aren't going to be able to get a ride and handling package with lifts and big tires that you will with stock. Of course, you now have more off road ability over stock, so there is a trade off.
Big Mike
'00 Excursion Limited
V-10 4x4
It is best to take your vehicle to a shop that specializes in truck alignments and 4x4 suspensions. Most areas have shops like this near by or in town. They will know the best setting to make up for the larger heavy duty equipment you have installed to get the best ride possible. And sometimes you aren't going to be able to get a ride and handling package with lifts and big tires that you will with stock. Of course, you now have more off road ability over stock, so there is a trade off.
Big Mike
'00 Excursion Limited
V-10 4x4
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 192
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From: Scandia, MN
I also had this problem on my 2003 X. After trying to realign and rotate tires the mechanic finally adjusted my steering box preload (not sure what this means). The effect was great and my stearing is now very tight!
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 356
Likes: 1
From: Washington DC
Mariobme:
Check out the Super Duty Forum and you will find some good info on steering threads regarding lifts.
Here are a few links that may help to answer your questions;
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=324478
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=323658
Big Mike
'00 Excursion Limited
V-10 4x4
Check out the Super Duty Forum and you will find some good info on steering threads regarding lifts.
Here are a few links that may help to answer your questions;
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=324478
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=323658
Big Mike
'00 Excursion Limited
V-10 4x4
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From: CALI
Thanks for the info.
I took it to the dealer first cuz its under warranty and they were able to take care of it for me. They replaced the steering box which was worn out according them and spindle connecting rod. Also the tow-in was off, so now it drives much better, and all for a $50 deductable on my Ext warranty.
I still am interested in installing ladder bars to keep that rear end going straight, but they can get very pricey. Any suggestions ? I looked into the radius rods that are mentioned on this site, but they are not available for lifted trucks.
I took it to the dealer first cuz its under warranty and they were able to take care of it for me. They replaced the steering box which was worn out according them and spindle connecting rod. Also the tow-in was off, so now it drives much better, and all for a $50 deductable on my Ext warranty.
I still am interested in installing ladder bars to keep that rear end going straight, but they can get very pricey. Any suggestions ? I looked into the radius rods that are mentioned on this site, but they are not available for lifted trucks.
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