Steering system upgrade or not

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May 2, 2007 | 09:16 AM

caseydudem

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Steering system upgrade or not

My steering system is working pretty well, besides being a little looses, but I have heard some bad things about the system. The majority just say that the system is too weak. I'm luckey enough to have at least a solid front axle. I think that helps in the strenght department. My question is I have a new PS pump I'm wondering if I should really install it or try to look for an up grade? Thanks

May 2, 2007 | 02:11 PM

ForemanES

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From: AZ

The pump itself wont fix anything "loose". That sounds like a steering box problem. They can be easily adjusted to minimize the "loose" feeling. Just screw in that allan head screw untill you like it. Be careful, too much and it will bind on you, just go like 1/2 turn everytime.

Any upgrade for the steering system would be a costly hydrolic system.

May 2, 2007 | 02:46 PM

tjbeggs

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Joined: Apr 2004

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From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI

the steering isn't weak in my eyes. its does struggle when huge tires are put on but thats true of all systems. ForemanES is correct that looseness is either a worn joint (tie rod end) or a steering gear that needs to be adjusted.

May 2, 2007 | 04:10 PM

powerstroked162

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From: Ellensburg, Washington

Took the words right outta my mouth. Better start checks some components

Cowboy Steve

May 2, 2007 | 10:36 PM

caseydudem

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New

Well, the tie rods and the connecting rods are all new, so I guess that means it must be the box, and we you all say adjust the box, is that with the truck on the ground or raised up?

May 3, 2007 | 06:06 AM

Cuda_jim

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Joined: Oct 2003

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From: MICHIGAN

Check your ball joints too!

Here's a link for steering gear adjustment:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...=steering+gear

May 3, 2007 | 10:09 AM

caseydudem

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Okay

Well I will give it a try. I have heard that before. I guess I'm just afraid to mess it up and really break something. Thanks for the info.

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May 3, 2007 | 12:06 PM

plowhand

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Joined: Oct 2005

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From: Southwest Georgia

caseydudem, it really is not hard to do. The old school way to do it is: with the truck off, sitting on the ground, mark on the gear box or make a reference of the slot in the steering gear adjuster (incase it moves), put a box end wrench on the steering gear adjuster lock nut, hold the steering gear adjuster with a long screwdriver, loosen the locknut. **If the steering gear adjuster moved, turn it back to the original setting.** Now screw the adjuster in 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Snug down the locknut **Do not tighten the locknut at this time**
Test drive the truck and check for slack in the steering and adjust the steering gear adjuster as needed. When you are satisfied, hold the steering gear adjuster and tighten down the lock nut. If you adjust the steering gear too tight, you'll know it because everytime you twitch your hand you will be all over the road. Hope this helps.

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May 6, 2007 | 10:14 AM

pigfarmerdk1

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Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Manteca, CA

steering

Make sure your steering wheel doesnt have up and down movement, If it does your shart bushings are worn and will need to be replaced before you wear it out.