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Help Needed with Loose Steering

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Old Apr 21, 2010 | 10:51 PM
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Help Needed with Loose Steering

My steering has become very loose over time. I would say I have play in the steering wheel until about the 1-2 o'clock position. Does anyone have a tutorial on tightening the steering box. I have never done this. I do have one ball joint that is just starting to go out, but this loose steering has been around longer.

1999, f350, 4x4, 175K, no lift, non-dually.
 
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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 12:08 AM
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mine is also like this, interested
 
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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 06:29 AM
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first fix the ball joint and check all tie-rod ends. On the top of your steering box as you look down from the open hood there is a bolt sticking up with a jamb nut, loosen the jamb nut then with an allen wrench adjust in (clockwise) until resistance is felt and then back off 1/8 to 1/4 turn. Should be good to go after that. But first make sure all steering and suspension components are right and tight.
 
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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 11:19 AM
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I had a bad wander in my steering too. New tie rods (all 4 with heim joints) and ball joints (all 4) and it's better but still present. Next will be an adjustment to the steering box and, if that doesn't work, it will be a new steering gearbox and pitman arm. I have heard good things about the Red Head Steering box.
 
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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 12:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Jager
My steering has become very loose over time. I would say I have play in the steering wheel until about the 1-2 o'clock position. Does anyone have a tutorial on tightening the steering box. I have never done this. I do have one ball joint that is just starting to go out, but this loose steering has been around longer.

1999, f350, 4x4, 175K, no lift, non-dually.
mine was bad liek that, i put a new steering stabilizer in and cured it right up
 
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Old Apr 23, 2010 | 12:25 AM
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Thanks for the responses. This site and readers are the BEST!
 
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Old Apr 23, 2010 | 05:33 AM
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I had steering issue also untill I replaced the drag link and all my ball joints, now steers like it is suppose to.
 
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Old Apr 23, 2010 | 08:23 AM
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Adjusting the steering box is only a temp fix at best in my experience.. But do as told above because its almost certainly a combination of all steering components and if money allows buy a red head steering box.. Mine steers perfect now..
 
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Old Apr 23, 2010 | 09:44 AM
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for me it was the steering gearbox and drives like new.
 
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