@ Tyson, what part # is that? I called Tasca and they said the part was backordered for 6 months. My steering is getting pretty tight and WD-40 isnt really helping. I tried every type of grease possible and nothing will stay longer than a couple weeks. If anyone knows where to get this part I would greatly appreciate any leads. Thanks in advance.

 

Here, #2 the lower shaft.

 

Thanks, I ordered the part last night. For thread-lock, did you use the red or blue version? Sorry I don't know their formal names. Also, did you use a torque wrench or just tighten it as tight as you felt comfortable without the head breaking off? Thanks again

 

It took Tasca a couple of weeks to get me the part. Just snug the bolts down good, you should be no where near breaking them off. I used medium strength Locktite blue. Pretty much any thread sealer is fine.

 

Did this repair in my driveway this afternoon. Thanks for the great write-up. The truck steers MUCH better now!

My local dealer had the part in stock because of their frequent replacement. I got it for $195 with my employer's discount.

I followed the steps and it was pretty easy. Make sure you take your air cleaner piping off before trying to work on the lower end. Took me about 15 minutes to figure that out! After that it was pretty easy.

 

Can someone kindly share the Ford part # for the shaft?

Mine is need of replacement.

TIA!

 

See TysonsLariat's post above with the link. Purchasing it from Tasca is most likely the cheapest you're going to get. Purchase it online too, because when I called they gave me a song & dance about it not being available for 6 months.. Purchased it online, had it in my truck within 4 weeks.

 

Welp, just realized that link is doesn't work anymore. So if you go to Tasca Parts, put in the year, make, and model (if you put in 2004 make sure you don't select heritage). Click on steering column, go down and click on the bottom diagram on the left. Should be #2 on that page: Lower Shaft. Might want to call to make sure that is the right part. It looks to be a different diagram than the one I saw when I purchased mine this summer. Same price though; if that's any assurance.

The lower steering shaft is the part you need. Hope this helps

 

It's part #8 under "Steering Column" at Tasca Parts.

http://www.tascaparts.com/parts/2004...=Lower%20shaft

 

Yup, same part. Good Luck Z06; it's alot easier if you have a helping hand too.

 

I never post, but this site always turns up answers on Google. I should have researched first. My 04 Supercab 4x4 was sticking at spots throughout the path of steering. I replaced the rack ($300-400), the pump($50), the HP line($80)....of course, nothing fixed it. Found a couple threads like this one, bought the lower shaft from Ford($250ish), and hour in the garage, and now, no more problems. The lower u-joint was definetely the one binding up.

Just thought I'd bump, maybe help out some others

 

Yeah, these websites are pure gold. Glad you got your steering issue figured out. It's too bad they dont make these joints with zerk fittings; would save alot of people some headaches.

 

I'm glad this thread has helped...
My 04's at 116k, just had to replace the belt tensioner..
Steering shaft is hanging in there.
(FYI-I also did a write-up on the ball joints.)
Thanks,
MB

 

My truck is having this issue as well. I am reluctant to spend $250+ to replace the shaft. Would it make sense to remove the shaft and give it a good soak/cleaning in wd40 or something similar first to see if it frees up a bit before spending the money on a new shaft.

 

Tasca Parts has it for $188. + 21. for shipping.
http://www.tascaparts.com/parts/2004...agramCallOut=8

Soaking might work, but only for a short time...
What will work is if you can get some grease into the non-removable, tiny u-joints.
This part definitely should have been greasable from the factory.