Just picked up a new to me '03 v10 truck with 4x4.Truck took a hit in the pass side fender/tire area.

Once the driver got it off the flatbed we quickly realized it had no steering. Upon closer inspection We realized the pitman arm is sheared off the gearbox (gearbox still works fine.)

Also It seems like the center link is missing? Can someone play detective for me and tell me what got torn off?

My guesses so far are:

-Steering gear box/pitman arm
-Center link
-Drag link
-Steering damper
-Tie rods

Any replies will be greatly appreciated Looking forward to making this a build thread...

Pix 4 clix:









Damaged suspension:

FRONT RIGHT:



CENTER:




LEFT/GEARBOX AREA:


GENERAL SHOTS:

 

Did some research, seems like its best that I replace the entire Drag Link/Center Link assemblies with adjusters. Looks like it is cheap enough also. Now to find a good used steering gearbox or try and go for the redhead one.

 

I wonder if you are too late for the redhead group buy. I know it was a really short window.

 

Your garage isn't big enough......

 

GS- Welcome to the Excursion side of the house. Definitely become aquainted with the tech folder up top. Also second link is for a members personal website with some excellent how to's that you may need.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ch-folder.html

2004 F250 Super Duty 4x4

 

Thanks for the info guys, Especially the DIY article on the bottom. Lots of info there. Looks like I might be able to just get away with a drag link then. Is it possible to press whats left of that ball joint out of the center link? I assume it is...

The gearbox will be sourced from a salvage yard it looks like, so no redhead for me.

Took the front wheels off yesterday. And polished up a couple of the wheels. Came out ok, might need to hit it with some more cleaner and a buffer... Now need to shop for tires.



Took the hubs off. Left one is seized solid, took it apart and soaked in PB blaster which will hopefully free it up. Right one is in decent shape.

Also made a more comprehensive laundry list as to what needs doing.

-Fix overhead console as it is dead as a dodo. Done
-Get replacement Ford emblem for the grille. Done Thanks Matt!
-Figure out the keypad code for the door. Done
-Get a couple of Keyless entry remotes. Done
-Tighten left marker light as it is missing a screw. Done
-Fix or get rid of the 6CD changer.
-Vacuum/clean/shampoo interior. Done
-Fix a few rust bubbles on the rear/front bumpers.
-Bodywork.
-Tires. Done

Regardless of the seemingly large amount of work left to do, I am pretty excited to tear into it. Hoping to at least have the steering up and going by this weekend. Sent my father off to the scrap yards to buy another wheel, which will put this thing one step closer to being a roller/driver by this weekend, god willing...

Thank you for pointing that out lol.

 

Subscribing to your thread to follow your progress. Also hello from a fellow New Yorker!

 

Those pics scare me as its another gearbox output shaft that has sheared off

 

Hopefully, it's because it hit the curb or something vs. sheared from an impact to the wheel/tire..

 

Thanks man! If I need an extra set of hands working on this thing I'll hit you up.

Yep definitely scary. I am almost positive this thing "kissed" a curb, as the right front wheel had a chunk missing out of it as well. But many hands make light work, and this Ex will be rolling around in no time.

Speaking of rolling, look at what I got!

4 new wheels(XLT Trim) with new 265/75/16 GoodYear Wrangler Kevlar tires with less than 2k miles on them. Just got back from Long Island an hour ago. Craigslist is a wonderful thing.

SELLER PHOTO:


SELLER PHOTO:


IN MY GARAGE:


Will get down to NJ on Saturday and get that steering gear box. Going to order the drag link as we speak.

 

Hit the tech folder there are excellent write ups regarding the hubs, key pad codes and more.

Great score on the wheels.

 

^
Thank you! Just read through Sammie0126's gearbox replacement walkthrough. Should be a cakewalk. Just need to get down to harbor freight and get a puller to get that broken drag link tie rod out of the center link. But everything else seems pretty straightforward.

 

Have you verified that the drag link didn't smack the radiator as it was sheared off of the gearbox? I would guess that a good amount of impact to the passenger front wheel could cause that drag link to hit something really hard as it broke off.


You should have no problems pressing out that remaining joint.

 

^
Good point. Had to start/move the truck under its own power. After I got it into the driveway I idled it for about 3+ hours, no coolant or any other types of leaks anywhere. I assume the radiator is fine then, but only a really long drive will tell that.

I wonder where the heck the original drag link went though, just flew off on impact I assume...

Got the drag link + tie rod + adjuster sleeve on order from FleaBay. Going to Harbor Freight this weekend to pick up a pitman arm puller. Hoping it will work to press out that broken joint from the center link.

A couple of positive notes that I discovered while peering over the truck so far:

-All new fluids, oil and trans as well as coolant appear to be new.
-Full tank of gas lol. PO must have filled it up before going off the road.
-All original floor mats intact, I have a pet peeve for that kind of stuff.
-Everything electrical works sans overhead lie-o-meter/CD changer.
-A/C blows cold.
-Practically brand new exhaust manifolds on both sides. thank god for that, I was dreading doing those.
-New Serpentine belt and tensioner.
-Replaced shocks, KYB's by the looks of them.
-Starts/Moves and generally runs very well, "exactly" how well is of course to be determined.

No progress till Sunday when I change the newly acquired steering box over.

 

Today's progress isn't too exciting but I got the gearbox switched over to a salvaged unit out of a 2004 PSD F250. Looks like it's seen better days, but it was very cheap and will get me on the road for the time being.

It also appears that the sheared box was a reman unit replaced in 2014, that sucks... Anyone know if it is possible to get another sector shaft and replace it? Or is rebuilding a steering box a task not for a home mechanic? Your thoughts please.

I managed to make a bloodbath in the driveway regardless of my best efforts of draining the existing ATF out of the power steering system.

Not sure if I centered the steering wheel properly with the box or not, but I hope to figure that our once I get the drag link assembly. Will need have refer to the DIY article on how to straighten the steering wheel as well.

Some pics of the progress below.

The scene of the crime.


Old and new boxes next to each other.


Pitman arm puller popped the old joint out with ease.