Wheel tilted
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2007
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Wheel tilted
Gents I had a 4" lift installed over the weekend and when I got it back I notice the steering wheel is now cocked a little bit just enough to annoy you. The shop said they did an alignment but I had issues with this shop and decided to not return there. Whats the best way to put the steering wheel back straight without going to get another alignment? Its a 1997 powerstroke 4 wheel drive. Thanks Maxx
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,010
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From: Johnson City, TN.
1- remove the steering wheel and straighten it and replace.
2- remove steering arm from gear box and move 1 spline till it is straight
3- adjust left tie rod end in or out 1/4 turn and adjust right tie rod end in or out (opposite what you did to the left) until it is straight. Be sure to adjust each side identical to what you did to the other side.
While 1 and 2 are plausable options I would do #3. It will most likely give you the results you want and be more accurate.
There is always option #4, just tilt your head slightly till the wheel magically looks straight. LOL.
2- remove steering arm from gear box and move 1 spline till it is straight
3- adjust left tie rod end in or out 1/4 turn and adjust right tie rod end in or out (opposite what you did to the left) until it is straight. Be sure to adjust each side identical to what you did to the other side.
While 1 and 2 are plausable options I would do #3. It will most likely give you the results you want and be more accurate.
There is always option #4, just tilt your head slightly till the wheel magically looks straight. LOL.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,010
Likes: 5
From: Johnson City, TN.
I was referring to that in #2, yes.
The tie rod ends would be the easiest and most accurate though.
The tie rod ends would be the easiest and most accurate though.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,903
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From: MICHIGAN
Thanks, I needed that!
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,010
Likes: 5
From: Johnson City, TN.
On mine (4X4) coming off the pitman arm is an arm that goes to the passenger tie rod end. and coming off that arm near the drag link another arm that goes to the drivers side tie rod end.
The only place to adjust my linkage is at the tie rod ends.
Don't worry though if you pay attention and be sure to adjust both sides the same you will be fine. Not very hard to do.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
Yes the answer to this question depends on if we are working a 250 or 350? 250 you will need to use Neal's method of turn each tie rod turn buckle equal amounts in opposite directions (shorten one lengthen the other) (best to have a shop do it if you not comfortable with it) or if its a 350 you can turn the turn buckle at the pitman arm without affecting toe in/out.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,010
Likes: 5
From: Johnson City, TN.
Yes the answer to this question depends on if we are working a 250 or 350? 250 you will need to use Neal's method of turn each tie rod turn buckle equal amounts in opposite directions (shorten one lengthen the other) (best to have a shop do it if you not comfortable with it) or if its a 350 you can turn the turn buckle at the pitman arm without affecting toe in/out.
LOL... Thanx Tim for clearing that up. I wasn't aware of the ability to adjust the 350's in a different way. I guess you learn something new everyday.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: PNW
lets see some pics of the truck too
Logistics Pro
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From: FL
-Robb
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
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From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
Yes on a 350 with dana 60 straight axle the turn buckle closest (less than a foot away) to the pitman arm and steering gear is to straighten the steering wheel. There is one on the tie rod that adjust "total" toe in/out then you use the other one on the drag link to center the steering wheel