78, ford, f150, 4x4, 351m,10" lift, new stabilizer bar, 38x12.50-15s. steering is sloppy! how can i tighten it up????????.
any and all help would be appreciated very much

 

Have the same problem on my 94 XLT SC 4x4. I gradually working on it to correct the problem. First thing I did was replace all of the shocks. Truck had 110,000 and the shocks appeared to be original. This made a noticable difference. The next thing I did was pull the locking hubs and check the wheel nut torque. Some people call it the spindle nut but I'm not sure that is correct as to me that refers to the nuts that hold the spindle onto the knuckle. Actually this lead me to pull the spindles to replace the dust shields which were rotted out but that's another story. Anyways, I found that the nuts were not torqued properly. Just got it back together last night at 1am and took it for a test drive. This also seemed to help some. Still have loose steering but am leaving on vacation. When I get back I'll check the steering box backlash (I believe that's what it's called) to make sure it's adjusted properly. There is apparently also a joint in the steering column that can go bad. I believe it's called a rag joint. Forgive me if that is not the correct terminology but I'm learning as I go. Of course, there might also be problems in the tie rods, etc. However, truck was just inspected and they appeared to be okay. Basically I'm working from the outside in to try and correct the issue. So my recommendations are to check the shocks and wheel nut torque first as those are pretty easy to do. Then work from there. Hope that helps some.


Brett

 

Play around with the pressure in the tires, It can make a big change in the handling
traits. Try all the same pressure say 30 psi then try others and even try different
pressure front to rear. Of course a steering stabilizer will help if you don't have one
or yours is wore out.

 

thanks alot i'll keep trying your suggestions