Sometimes while driving my 08' F-150 5.4L seems like Iam all over the damn road, fighting to keep her straight and in the lane. I really notice when a big rig or a slight wind Iam fighting to stay straight and in the lane. Alignment has been factory speced, tires are Michelins, I know it has rack and pinion steering but damn when even a car passes I get blown to one side, and when it's windy damn Iam all over the road. Oh and I really feel this on the Freeway's not really on streets (not as bad). Does the F-150's really handle this bad? Do they need sway bars really bad or what? I love my truck but the staying in the lane and being blown all over sucks. Jeff

 

I notice my 08 wandering a little too, but I-25 between Denver and Fort Collins is a screwed up road. I definitely know what you're talking about though.

 

They must be a lot of diff. between 07 and 08 , my 07 screw don't wander and drives real good, even with leveling kit. If you have 22" wheels reckon that's the diff, mine has 18".

 

My dad just did a courtesy drive for the local dealer and thought that new truck wandered all over hell too. My '07 is as solid as any vehicle I've driven, even on the POS interstate between Denver and 'Collins.

What did they change between the '07 and 08's? Serious mistake evidently.

 

At least we agree about I-25...lol Mine rides good on normal roads, but around 75-80 it seems like it's really light in the steering. Nothing huge, and mine has no body roll, but it kinda' feels like I have a few tons of rock in the bed. That's the feeling with the light steering.

 

I believe you have 12000 miles to get your alignment checked for free from Ford. I believe you can find the info in your tire warranty paper work.

 

I did have alignment set to factory specs. it seems to wander bigtime when another vehicle passes me in another lane or when it's windy out.

 

I have 17" wheels and tires are Michelins, stock they came with the truck, maybe wider tires would help some?

 

I have the 285/65, 18's and like I said, I feel it too, but not real bad. I'm actually getting used to it and am realizing a couple of things. In mine it's like if I think about moving to the right, it does it on it's own. The highly sensitive steering is the culprit, and I have a feeling it will break itself in and settle down. There's nothing wrong with my alignment. A buddy of mine just checked it out on his rack this morning since the dealer mechanics are off on Saturday. Again, with mine it's not real bad, but different than my 2002. The bed is also longer on this one than the 2002, so maybe that has something to do with it also. I do know I'm not going to level it until I'm completely used to it, or it settles down.

 

I am sure this handling characteristic will never compare to a no power steering truck with bias ply tires - have you guys ever driven a truck with this set up - I doubt it.

My point is, I have been driving Ford trucks since day one, and I am used to many differnent handling conditions - YOU ARE driving a truck, and not a low center of gravity car - ALWAYS keep that in mind - in all driving situations.

Try checking your tire pressures and keep them at the recommended manufacturer's settings.

I am also not fond of stock tires, they seem to be the least possible quality that Ford can get away with.

 

What my dad described in the '08 is what sounds like a worn out rack and pinion or a loose connection somewhere between the steering wheel and the rack. He had to turn the steering wheel way too much before it actually did anything. He said it would slop 1/4 turn or more (may be an exaggeration, I wasn't there) before the wheel did anything.

Some guy at the dealership told him they all feel like that, which I know my '07 doesn't.

 

I don't understand this either. My 07 XL reg cab long box is sensitive to the wheel, but doesn't seem to over-react, or wander. What you are describing doesn't sound right to me, and I wouldn't be happy either. Maybe some more 08 owners will chime in, or hopefully a Ford Tech.

 

Mine feels like that in the wind which has been strong lately here in Texas. Also had a vibration with it. Thought I was having some problems since I recently installed a leveling kit. When the wind slowed down it felt smooth and true.

 

I HAVE driven literally hundreds of trucks without power steering and yes, bias ply tires. I have also done so in several other countries including Korea, Somalia, Bosnia and Iraq with the old Deuce and a Half's...Beat that The interstate between Denver and Ft. Collins rivals a good road in Bosnia, and I travel it frequently.

However, my steering isn't loose as mentioned in another post. If anything, it's over-sensitive right now, and I'm sure it will break itself in. I only have 1100 miles on it. I don't see why the Goodyear Wranglers would be any different then the Goodyear Wranglers on my 02, so that's a non-issue. Same model, too. Damn good tires IMHO. Get a lot of wer out of them, also.

I love my truck, and all I've owned since 1982 has been Ford Trucks. (9 of them) They are all different, and yes, I love the higher center of gravity, and ride height as I don't drive it like a Ferrari. I haul stuff. Unfortunately, I have to wait 24hrs before getting a load of landscape rock for my back yard as I just picked it up after getting my Rhino Liner sprayed in it.

Best of luck if anybody is truly having problems with their 08's. I think it's just a little different, but I don't see any mechanical differences between the 07 and 08 in the steering.

Peace, out.

 

My 07 Screw tracks strait 100% of the time...i can take my hands off the wheel and it keeps going strait...don't do that either...it's dangerous