I've had three flat tires in the year since I bought my 98 F-150, and it pulls hard to the right. I've noticed lately it takes more effort to steer. My hands are sore by the time I get home from work. Any ideas of stuff I can check before I take it to my mechanic? Money is so tight it's non-existent.

Or could this just be a coincidence?

 

Post your question in the proper forum - this forum is for everything NOT related to specific truck problems.

If it pulls hard enough to hurt your wrists, you shouldn't be driving it.

You might need an alignment; a brake rotor might be dragging; suspension parts could be damaged; the frame could be bent, etc.

A competent alignment shop will be able to determine what is wrong very quickly.

As far as the flat tires, not enough info to answer that one. Are they flat due to wearing out, nails, etc. ??

Good luck.

 

Ya, this might get better responses in the wheels or suspension forums, even the 97-03 section. Seeing this, a good alignment and checking the caliper out might be a good idea. Might be a seized caliper. Money bieng tight, let this get worse, money will be the bigger problem, I'd get it checked. Pulling usually results from under inflation so rule that out. If they get driven alot underinflated, could cause flats.

 

It's almost impossible to diagnose something like this over the Internet without being able to see the truck. Take it to your mechanic and at least see if he can take a quick look for obvious issues without charging you an arm and a leg.