I recently bought a 2002 Ford F-350 SLT Super Duty CrewCab Long box SRW 4X4 with the 7.3 Diesel with 150,000 Kilometers on the clock. It is in like new condition inside and out but has a handling problem. It wonders on the road. I always seem to have to correct the steering to keep it from wondering either left or right. I have to hang on with both hands tightly and keep it straight. Bumps really make it jump around. It's very tiring and not a pleasant driving experience. The truck was purchased from a modern used car dealership. They installed 4 new ball joints and new stabilizer bar link kits as well as aligning the front end. The tires are fairly new load range E tires and I installed a new steering damper shock. I complained about the handling and was told by the used car manager that "they were all like that and that his cousin had a brand new one that always headed for the ditch" Hey I know that this is not a sports car but I shouldn't be afraid to take it on the road. I took it to a local Ford dealership th be checked and as I suspected they said that the steering box was shot. Took it back to the seller and after they rechecked it they installed a new steering box.
It improved the handling quite a bit but it still wonders and is still a handful on the road. Does anyone any ideas? I truly love this truck and would really like to get this problem fixed. We plan to tow a 5th with it next year and it is my daily driver right now.
Thanks in advance.
Dan

 

I would consider putting new trackbar bushings in it.
And new shocks all the way around if they haven'y been replaced.
Chk the springeye bushings also.
any play at all is multiplied to the steering.
Rich

 

if the bumps are still causing problems then I'd say to replace their steering stabilizer with a double shock one. it could be that the provided one is not up to the task.

 

You need to get someone to help you. Turn the key to the on to unlock the steering, don't start, crawl under the front and have some turn steering back and forth slowly while you watch. You should be able to see where the play is coming form. Steering box may still be your problem. Bushing in your track bar is also likely. Possibly bad wheel bearings. It may also help some to lower you tire pressure in the front. The dealer may have inflated tire to max pressure, and IMO that's to much on a truck that is not loaded to the max. Check these and report back.

 

The balljoints can be worn and locked up and the tierod ends go bad in multiples. The track rod could be loose. I think the whole rod has to be replaced if the bushings are bad.


Dick

 

I agree with zx250. Tire pressure is often overlooked and it can cause problems just like you mention. That is the very first thing you should check.

 

I would try to rotate the tires. I had the same issue on the 99 I had. FIxed everything. Tires looked in good shape so I knew it could not be the tires, but come to find out it was. I had a broken cord. New set of tires and it was no hands and down the road. I would definately check some of the easier things described above first be fore you made an investment in tires. Remember rotate then replace. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks everyone for your replies and ideas. I thought about the tire pressure myself today and sure enough it was maxed. I brought down the pressure and it seems a little better. Someone mentioned the ball joints....all four are brand new. Both the seller's mechanic as well as the Ford dealers mechanic verified everything else as in good shape. The steering damper shock I installed is from Ford so I assume it should do the job? As for the tires...they seem to be brand new Michelin tires, load range E M/S. I talked to another Ford Dealership service guy tonight after work and he said to bring it in to his truck front end guy tomorrow night and let him have a look. Will let you guys know. Agian...thanks very much.