Steering Question
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Forney TX
Steering Question
Hi all, I'm a total newbie to trucks so forgive me if this is a dumb post/question.
Ok, with that out of the way I'm looking to buy a used 2003 - 2006 4x4 F250/F350 Powerstroke Diesel. I just test drove a few F350's today and noticed that the steering is sloppy with quite a bit of play. So my question is: Is there an upgraded steering rack that will tighten up the steering and make the rig more responsive?
Thanks all!
Ok, with that out of the way I'm looking to buy a used 2003 - 2006 4x4 F250/F350 Powerstroke Diesel. I just test drove a few F350's today and noticed that the steering is sloppy with quite a bit of play. So my question is: Is there an upgraded steering rack that will tighten up the steering and make the rig more responsive?
Thanks all!
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,743
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From: Peoria, IL
Since you stated you are new to trucks it could just be that is the way trucks handle and you aren't used to it. However, some people in here have had issues with different parts wearing out that can cause the steering to have excessive play in it. You really need to try to dirve a similar truck and figure out if it is just that truck, or how you are used to a vehicle handling.
BTW, welcome to the site.
BTW, welcome to the site.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
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From: Whittier, CA
They aren't sports cars for sure. In addition to what beerstalker said, why not visit the Ford dealership and drive one or two brand new ones. That will give you a baseline to compare with pre-owned units.
Bill
Bill
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
These trucks are designed to be a little less responsive than your average sports car so that when you have a heavy load or trailer any sway doesn't throw you off the road or cause you to oversteer. That said many people have complained about steering problems where the truck jumps to the side too quickly under some road conditions. Most of these issues seem to be with 4 x 4's and several of them have oversized tires. I've noticed that new tires on the front will tend to make my truck wander a little depending on the road because of the grip compared to my old bald ones.
If you're test driving newer and older trucks and they all steer the same to you then I'd say it's probably not an issue. Do you have any friends who have a super duty that could maybe take it for a spin before you decide on one?
If you're test driving newer and older trucks and they all steer the same to you then I'd say it's probably not an issue. Do you have any friends who have a super duty that could maybe take it for a spin before you decide on one?
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Forney TX
Originally Posted by bpounds
They aren't sports cars for sure. In addition to what beerstalker said, why not visit the Ford dealership and drive one or two brand new ones. That will give you a baseline to compare with pre-owned units.
Bill
Bill
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,243
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From: Roman Forest, TX
Good luck with that cyrexpl. The F-250 has a g'dawful turning radius in addition to the "little" play. It does take some getting used to, and I like the explanation from F-350-6. I'd never thought about it before, but it does seem to make sense.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: MA. + ME.
cyrexpl, if you buy one of these you may want to try changing the factory sterring stablizer shock and put a Rancho in it's place it seemed to make a difference. Specially if there is some miles on the one your looking at.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Forney TX
Originally Posted by trukdawg
cyrexpl, if you buy one of these you may want to try changing the factory sterring stablizer shock and put a Rancho in it's place it seemed to make a difference. Specially if there is some miles on the one your looking at.
So I test drove a new 08 and it is ME I'm just to used to having cars with incredibly tight steering (I drive an STI and I've got a Forester XT with a custom 11.5:1 steering rack).
While I can understand F350-6's explanation for the sloppy steering, I still would love to tighten up the steering on any F250/350 I end up getting. Perhaps there is someone out there with the mechanical know-how to modify a stock Superduty steering rack to one with a quicker ratio?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
Originally Posted by cyrexpl
I'll have to look into the Rancho steering stabilizer.
So I test drove a new 08 and it is ME I'm just to used to having cars with incredibly tight steering (I drive an STI and I've got a Forester XT with a custom 11.5:1 steering rack).
While I can understand F350-6's explanation for the sloppy steering, I still would love to tighten up the steering on any F250/350 I end up getting. Perhaps there is someone out there with the mechanical know-how to modify a stock Superduty steering rack to one with a quicker ratio?
So I test drove a new 08 and it is ME I'm just to used to having cars with incredibly tight steering (I drive an STI and I've got a Forester XT with a custom 11.5:1 steering rack).
While I can understand F350-6's explanation for the sloppy steering, I still would love to tighten up the steering on any F250/350 I end up getting. Perhaps there is someone out there with the mechanical know-how to modify a stock Superduty steering rack to one with a quicker ratio?
If you can figure out which parts need changing you'll just have to see if the fit, or if you need to do some adapting. Also make sure any parts are strong enough to handle the extra forces the increased weight of these trucks will put on the components.
If money is no object I'd say just put in a 4 wheel steering system and you could turn circles around the rest of us.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Forney TX
Originally Posted by Sweetpea02
F250/F350 do not have Rack and Pinion steering
Originally Posted by F350-6
I know my wifes 150 drives like a car and I hate it. I feel like if I were to sneeze I would end up changing lanes.
Originally Posted by F350-6
If you can figure out which parts need changing you'll just have to see if the fit, or if you need to do some adapting. Also make sure any parts are strong enough to handle the extra forces the increased weight of these trucks will put on the components.
If money is no object I'd say just put in a 4 wheel steering system and you could turn circles around the rest of us.
If money is no object I'd say just put in a 4 wheel steering system and you could turn circles around the rest of us.