Hey guys, am I the only one here that has an 03 7.3 PS that pulls to the left no matter what I do to it? It's been through 3 front end alignment shops, 2 sets of tires, and now on it's second set of wheels and still pulls left. All the guys at the shops say it's in Fords' specs and nothing is wrong. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

You're not alone-my 02 F250 does the same thing but everyone says it's fine. Mine pulls what should be noon on the steering wheel over to about 10:00. The tires aren't wearing wierd tho.

Good luck.

Jim

 

A vehicle can be in spec for alignment and still pull. You have not found a shop worth working with yet. Where are you located?

 

I'm in Brunswick Ga. the very southeastern corner just above the Fla. line. It wouldn't be THAT bad but my tires are wearing a little funny, just the one on the left front so I keep them rotated constantly.

 

BTW TJbeggs that is one purty 97 you got there! My first diesel was a dark green super cab 97 that an idiot in a log truck ran a stop sign and totalled for me. I miss that truck.

 

Measure the wheel base on each side. See if it is off. Mine broke the spring pin on the right side and that side was pulled forward by the track bar. The alignment shops said it was ok, in reality it was relative to the axle. It was just pointed to the left. A comparison front to rear should show it up, but most shops don't even bother since you can't adjust the rear, so they just look at the front and won't notice.

 

Check to see if you have a brake caliper hanging up a little. Could be the left hanging closed or the right not closing and forcing fluid to the left. About $60.00 per side and a 20 minute swap each. I just replaced mine to cure a serious vibration.

 

Besides the brake comments (good point!)...

Find an alignment shop that can do a 4-wheel "thrust-line" alignment. This checks if the rear and front axle are parallel, and in-line with each other.

If they say "why bother, it's a solid rear axle" - don't walk, RUN.

 

I can't really tell if I have a dragging caliper yet I haven't had time to jack it up but I measured front to back today and it was only 1/4" off. Is that enough to make a difference?

 

Thanks for the props on my truck. Its come a long way and has a long way to go yet!!

As for you alignment you are a bit far from MI to have me do your alignment, check what has been stated by others as well. it is good advice.

 

Where can I get a 4 wheel thrust line alignment that krewat mentioned? I only have fairly small shops around here that I know of.

 

Any shop with a modern (last 10 years) alignment machine can do a thrust angle alignment. More than likely the shops you have already used can do what needs to be done but alignment techs lack the motivation to do a good job. Many techs have the mentality that if its in the spec ranges given then there is nothing that needs to be done. The fact is that the vehicle need to be in spec but also drive straight with no tire wear. Many don't like to take the time to accomplish those goals.

 

Yeah, I was gonna say, if they have the right equipment, they have to actually bother to do it.

 

Unfortunately that is the problem. I'm lucky enough to have a guy I use that does a great job. As long as I am in driving distance to him, I will be taking my vehicles to him and I highly recommend him for any cars I work on or otherwise. For the longest time he had an old analog machine with rollers and guages. He just recently upgraded to a brand new Hunter machine. He knows his stuff. Well worth the money spent.

Central Service Center Laurel, MD 301-498-7700

As far as the wheel base measurement, 1/4" is probably negligible. Mine was exact when I was done, but it was 1" off before hand. I pulled bad though. 1/4" could be anywhere, and can easily be compensated for with a proper alignment.

You could have a dragging caliper or bad brake hose, but typically they will change with brake application. It's a good check anyway just to be sure, and it doesn't hurt to check the brakes!

Also the obvious if it wasn't mentioned is tire pressure. Even though you've had 2 sets of tires just check to be sure it's not something stupid. Also, check the front end yourself at this point. Make sure nothing is loose.

Is it pulling, or not centered? If you are going on a straight road and let go of the wheel does it drift left, or just go left if you hold the wheel straight?

Bad ball joints, especially the upper on the right side could cause it to drift to the left.

 

Do you know if this truck has ever been wrecked?