terrible over steer

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Dec 28, 2009 | 11:09 PM

octaneforce

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Laughing Gas

Joined: Mar 2009

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From: long island

terrible over steer

i have a 2002 e250 w/ the 5.4 and i am getting scary bad over steer. the truck is hard to keep in a straight line down the highway, and exit ramps are a nightmare. my first thought to fix the problem was a steering box adjustment, or possibly a whole new steering box. any other ideas? thanks in advance!

Dec 28, 2009 | 11:18 PM

85e150

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By "oversteer" do you mean it over reacts to steering input? Or does the rear end slide before the front? (the technical definition of "oversteer")

Have you changed tires recently? Had an alignment? Changed tire pressure? Not checked tire pressure in years? Added a rear sway bar? Removed a front bar? Lifted it? Different springs or shocks?

Dec 29, 2009 | 04:20 PM

Four_X_Ford

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When my 4x4 did that it was like steering an innertube on whitewater rapids.
My problem wound up being the center drag link was shot.

Dec 29, 2009 | 05:09 PM

octaneforce

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Laughing Gas

Joined: Mar 2009

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From: long island

by oversteer i mean that it turns too much compared to how hard i turn the wheel, and yes it ends up feeling like the rear is sliding more than the front (even though im not really sliding ever). i did forget to mention that i put new rear tires on the truck around the same time the problem started. i actually went back to the place that installed the tires thinking that the new tires were causing the problem. they refunded me the money for the new tires i bought, and then i had them install much better tires (more expensive). this had no effect and the problem still persisted. that was the only thing i have done to the truck. tire pressure was checked as well.

Dec 29, 2009 | 06:17 PM

gearloose1

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What about 4 identical tires on it for a start?

Then, do complete check of steering and suspension system.

My immediate bet:

Mismatch of tires.... e.g. bias ply up front, radials in back... etc.

Jan 2, 2010 | 01:02 PM

Grems4ever

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Joined: Aug 2009

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From: Laquey, MO

I agree with Gearloose - sounds like a mismatch of tires. Had the same problem years ago when I ignorantly put bias mudders on the back of an 87 E-150. Downright scary at times...