Notices
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

junk steering

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 18, 2009 | 11:17 PM
  #1  
bigsmokey97's Avatar
bigsmokey97
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: calera
junk steering

im sure everyone at some point has drivin a truck with slack in the steering... what is the cause of this? i always thought it was just the steering box bein worn out, is there a rebuild kit or something or do you have to get a new one? also my steering wheel is loose i guess you could say. it wobbles around a lil bit, i really bough tthis truck to make it a cherry truck and its gettin lifted next week and imagine this problem will make it a pain to drive on 37's ha i wanna get it fixed but i dont have a clue where to start. also i think the lift will fix this problem but im having some binding issues while turning right now, but i think its because the front leaf spring are worn slap out, i probably have a 1/2 in of travel before im on the bump stops, need help fellas thanks!!
 
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2009 | 12:13 AM
  #2  
joe_13894's Avatar
joe_13894
Fleet Mechanic
15 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 2
From: The boonies by Dallas OR
Start checking everything out, something's worn. Tie rod ends, ball joints and / or a lose steering box. With slop, I'd take a good look at the tie rod ends first.

You definitely want to get it fixed or you're going to be eating tires.
 
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2009 | 07:52 AM
  #3  
tbone heller's Avatar
tbone heller
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Canton, Georgia
Ford offers a FREE 27 point inspection. Let them check it over & tell you what it needs, then go home & fix it yourself.
 
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2009 | 09:31 AM
  #4  
bigsmokey97's Avatar
bigsmokey97
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: calera
really? i didnt know ford did that, i took it in for tham to change the lift pump a while back and they said it was acost like a billion dollars and i said ok i'll take it somewhere else, and he said ok go pay the cashier she has your keys... i said uhhh what the hell am i paying her for. apparently when you tell them that you need a new lift pump installed it means they have to "diagnose the problem" lol i wore that dude out. anyways i'll swing by there, see that the deal is, no doubt it probably needs ball joints
 
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2009 | 04:36 PM
  #5  
Action4478's Avatar
Action4478
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,764
Likes: 39
When I got my truck the steering was very sloppy , it was the track bar bushings ..

Have someone turn the wheel within the loose area, while you look under the truck ...
 
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2009 | 08:51 AM
  #6  
DieselE's Avatar
DieselE
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Diamond, Ohio
Most likely your tie rod ends have expiried, check your track bar bushings, make sure the steering box is not loose, and im sure whatever it is is not gonna be fixed with the lift, usually lifts modify the problem, and with biggger tires it really makes the problem more noticiable. sometimes a steering stabalizer helps .
 
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2009 | 09:35 AM
  #7  
bigsmokey97's Avatar
bigsmokey97
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: calera
right i was referring to the binding issue im experiencing, a different issue from the slack. i'm investigating now.
 
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2009 | 05:19 PM
  #8  
kord's Avatar
kord
New User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
I was getting a lot of movement in the steering wheel side to side. It actually seized a couple of time while turning. Shop replaced column bushings, bearings and seals ($300 parts-$300 labor). Steers better than I ever remember. $600. was a hit though.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Nov 28, 2009 | 05:21 PM
  #9  
kord's Avatar
kord
New User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Also...DONT PULL YOURSELF INTO THE TRUCK BY THE STEERING WHEEL!!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Snowseeker
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
37
May 31, 2017 04:48 PM
Fordranchero
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
2
Nov 17, 2012 05:16 PM
captain p4
Offroad & 4x4
10
Jan 16, 2010 09:14 AM
coolgreen
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Jul 30, 2003 06:16 AM
John Thomas
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
12
Oct 7, 2002 11:50 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:56 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE