I recently purchased an '02 F150 4x4 that won't steer. The steering wheel turns about 2.5 turns in each direction, but the only time the front wheels move is at full lock to the left they'll turn 1/2" or so. I'v checked the obvious, like verifying the pitman arm is atatched to the box, and the steering shaft turns where it conects to the box(sector shaft?) too. Are there any other possibilities besides the steering box being toast?

 

Does the pitman arm move and move the linkage? If it doesn't when you turn the wheel and the shaft turns, the box is toast.

 

Nope, pitman arm doesn't move.

 

Oh, and I forgot to mention the shaft that the pitman arm fastens to has droped out of the box about an inch. Is it possible I could just take it apart and replace a shear pin or something simple?

 

It sounds like your steering box is indeed toast. I would not attempt fixing it, just go buy a rebuilt one and save yourself some headaches.

 

An aftermarket reman box is only around 100 bucks plus core charge.

 

Thanks guys. I guess I'll get started taking it off....

 

It also would be as good a time as any to flush the power steering fluid, replace it with synthetic Mercon V spec ATF.

 

Good idea, the stuff that's coming out looks like half ATF and half mud.

 

Well, I got the old box off and a rebuilt one's on it's way!

 

Finally got the box replaced, and the truck steers now!

 

I love it when a plan comes together! Congratulations!

 

Thanks, do I detect a hint of sarcasm in there? lol

BTW, what color is your truck?

 

No! No! No sarcasm intended. It's always a happy moment when a problem is repaired.

My truck is blue with the tan bottom. I'm still loving it with 132k miles on it.

 

Yes it sure is! Cool, mine is a 2002 F150 Lariat FX4 Supercab 5.4L, white with grey bottom, with 175k miles.