hey guys, I had some "slop" in the steering wheel, so today I adjusted the nut/screw on the steering box. I had to adjust it 1 & 3/4 . Wanted to know if that was too much ? Steering is still not the best but I would say 50-70% better. Soon I will also check the alignment.

 

 

uhhh ohhzz

 

 

first turn was not quite 3/4, then 1/2 and 1/2, so it's more like 1.5-1.75 ...I did some full U-turns and truck steering seemed fine, did not lock up. steering wheel feels firmer for sure. so what major components would make it feel like it's "floating" ?

 

 

Waay to much on the steering nut screw... take it back to where you started. 1/8 of a turn at a time. With as far as you went.... the steering is not 'better'.... you are just binding up the gear. Look elsewhere for the 'slop'.

 

I agree with Les. There is a "crush washer" associated with that adjusting nut that is REALLY easy to crush. Once done the box is essentially done as well. I guess that I bought my Redhead before they started having (reported) problems because mine is fine. I hear that there are a couple of "new(er) kids" on the block so you might give them a look as well.

 

yep, going to check out the suspension ...prolly order all new inner/outer tie rods

 

ok my buddy/diesel mechanic drove it ....he says I'm used to my 2015 F150 "tight" steering LOL. He said there is a little play but not too bad, with a little bump steer. He said the best thing to do is add a dual steering stabilizer.

 

 

 

What pirate4x4_camo said. I would find the loose steering components first.

If your avatar is your truck your tires look pretty close to stock size. I wouldn't consider adding another stabilizer IMO.

 

gonna have les schwab check it out soon

 

Bump steer shouldn't be happening if the pitman arm or track bar haven't been modified, usually done to compensate for a lift. If it has bump steer with stock components something's loose/worn.

Over tightening the box adjustment can damage it. It can also cause excessive drag which can make the vehicle not self-center well and feel like it's wandering/floating. I've had two wanderers and in both cases someone had messed with the screw. Loosening it a little helped a little, but once they've been overtightened I think there's damage done that can't be fixed without a teardown. The adjustments are pretty critical.