Turning Radius
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 461
Likes: 1
I guess the coil springs on the 2 wheel drive present a little differently than the leaf springs on the 4x4. On my truck, when the wheel is turned hard the bottom shock mount bolt is barely missing the brake caliper. If the wheels were to turn any sharper the caliper would contact the bolt. 
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 5
From: Slatington, PA
I guess the coil springs on the 2 wheel drive present a little differently than the leaf springs on the 4x4. On my truck, when the wheel is turned hard the bottom shock mount bolt is barely missing the brake caliper. If the wheels were to turn any sharper the caliper would contact the bolt.
The 2wd's already have a better turning radius due to the coil springs (no leafs to get in the way). Thats how the newer trucks are able to turn sharper.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 461
Likes: 1
It's at those times I really appreciate driving my old Mercedes which turns on a dime. I hate to say it, but the turning radius is the one item my wife always points out when boasting about her Suburban Vs. my PSD. I have to admit, in this area the Suburban puts my PSD to shame.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
I took a look yesterday on my truck (03 F350 4x4) and the bump stops definitely limit the turning. I REALLY want to increase the turning radius, but I'm mainly worried about the U-joints and the stabalizer. The stabalizer looks like it's almost at the end of its travel as it is..
So is this going to be a u-joint killer? I won't be WOT at full lock anytime, but I will be turning tight often since my job requires me to back the trailer into some funky spots. Something tells me if they did it from the factory there was a reason for it, but they maybe were being on the extreme safe side?
So is this going to be a u-joint killer? I won't be WOT at full lock anytime, but I will be turning tight often since my job requires me to back the trailer into some funky spots. Something tells me if they did it from the factory there was a reason for it, but they maybe were being on the extreme safe side?
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 694
Likes: 0
From: SE WI
I took a look yesterday on my truck (03 F350 4x4) and the bump stops definitely limit the turning. I REALLY want to increase the turning radius, but I'm mainly worried about the U-joints and the stabalizer. The stabalizer looks like it's almost at the end of its travel as it is..
So is this going to be a u-joint killer? I won't be WOT at full lock anytime, but I will be turning tight often since my job requires me to back the trailer into some funky spots. Something tells me if they did it from the factory there was a reason for it, but they maybe were being on the extreme safe side?
So is this going to be a u-joint killer? I won't be WOT at full lock anytime, but I will be turning tight often since my job requires me to back the trailer into some funky spots. Something tells me if they did it from the factory there was a reason for it, but they maybe were being on the extreme safe side?
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
The coil sprung '05 and up trucks have about a 5 foot tighter turning radius, and the F450 and 550 have an economy car like turning radius. I wonder if the '99 to '04 U joints are much different than the '05 and up ones? I am also very interested in this thread, as the turning radius (and sloppy steering) is my biggest complaint with my truck.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 489
Likes: 1
From: Western Kentucky
My son has my truck right now because his is down for PCM repair. I will do some testing this weekend in the turning radius of my truck versus his 00'. My nephew also has a 99' so we can test his also. Both of theirs are unmodified. I will also try to get pictures.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,196
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
The 08 F250s are definitely alot different. Of course, this is to be expected when running coil spring vs leaf. Anyway.. they still have the very same U-joints as far as I can tell, so I can't see those being an issue with our older rigs.
The only thing left in question to me is the steering stabalizer. Mine is leaking oil so I'll probably upgrade right away, but as long as they allow the extra travel I don't see why any of this would cause a problem. I only have about 2" at most till I'm rubbing the leaf spring, this is my only issue. If I ever went to a larger tire, it would probably rub for sure.
The only thing left in question to me is the steering stabalizer. Mine is leaking oil so I'll probably upgrade right away, but as long as they allow the extra travel I don't see why any of this would cause a problem. I only have about 2" at most till I'm rubbing the leaf spring, this is my only issue. If I ever went to a larger tire, it would probably rub for sure
.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 694
Likes: 0
From: SE WI
The 08 F250s are definitely alot different. Of course, this is to be expected when running coil spring vs leaf. Anyway.. they still have the very same U-joints as far as I can tell, so I can't see those being an issue with our older rigs.
The only thing left in question to me is the steering stabalizer. Mine is leaking oil so I'll probably upgrade right away, but as long as they allow the extra travel I don't see why any of this would cause a problem. I only have about 2" at most till I'm rubbing the leaf spring, this is my only issue. If I ever went to a larger tire, it would probably rub for sure.
The only thing left in question to me is the steering stabalizer. Mine is leaking oil so I'll probably upgrade right away, but as long as they allow the extra travel I don't see why any of this would cause a problem. I only have about 2" at most till I'm rubbing the leaf spring, this is my only issue. If I ever went to a larger tire, it would probably rub for sure
.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 524
Likes: 2
From: Redmond, Or
I compleatly removed my steering stabilizer, made no differance, i thouht that it was limiting the travel, it was not, I am still a good 1-1/2" from hitting the bump stops on the spindle now, but it just wont turn that far, something else is stoping it.. Dam'd if i can figure out what???
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
Ok.. I snapped some pictures. I'm going to post them in my message, hopefully this is allowed on this forum. If not, I apologize in advance!
My new (to me) F350 I want to modify..
The bumpstop.. you can even see where it hits
The (blown) stabalizer
The bump stop.. pretty much touching
Showing clearance on the spring
The other tight spot..
---------------------------------------
The 2008
The setup
No stabalizer in sight
Looks like the same u-joints to me...
Miles of space!
I hope these help..
Here is the rest of my gallery for all the pictures I took.
http://www.pbase.com/g_photos/steering
My new (to me) F350 I want to modify..
The bumpstop.. you can even see where it hits
The (blown) stabalizer
The bump stop.. pretty much touching
Showing clearance on the spring
The other tight spot..
---------------------------------------
The 2008
The setup
No stabalizer in sight
Looks like the same u-joints to me...
Miles of space!
I hope these help..
Here is the rest of my gallery for all the pictures I took.
http://www.pbase.com/g_photos/steering