Thanks, Aryton. It looks like an '03 box is the only choice.

 

I'm pretty sure that you are backwards. The higher the number the slower. In other words, more effort/energy for A to move B. Just like the rearends. The first number in a ratio is usually the item with the power relating to the item being driven. EG: driveshaft turning axle so the higher the first number the more turns of the steering wheel needed to go lock to lock.

BTW not trying to flame at all. That's just the way I've been told.

 

To Jerry Jordan,

Why wait until October to run you truck on a road course. LightningFest will have a 2.1 mile 7 turn Open track at HPT in Topeka 28 Sep. Stan (ruslow) will be there with his mean road machine, and the "Track Guys" will be the driving instructors. Drive up with the many others coming from Texas.

...Dwight...

 

This topic has frustrated me for a while now.

Searched for "faster ratio" steering for my 99' f150 since I purchased it in Dec. of 2001. To me, the f150 steering is too "slow". I have performed many suspension mods yet, the steering is still too slow and "wanders" somewhat. I have had a lot of input, including comments from an engineer at Visteon (maker of the gears) and "the guy" in Florida that was the official re-builder of Ford NASTRUCK steering gear boxes.

Based on research at that time, I found out that:

1. The 97' up F150 AND the 99' - 02' (unsure about 03') Lightning have the SAME steering gear box. They are both 14 to 1 constant ratio. Supposely the 03' have different valving, yet the box is still 14 to 1.

2. 12 to 1 CONSTANT ratio steering would provide faster, "tighter", "centered" and more "sensitive" steering. Some sports cars (including the 79' T.A.) and the former NASTRUCK Fords, use 12 to 1 constant ratio steering. Very good high performance steering.
However, the Ford NASTRUCK steering gear boxes will not interchange.

3. Spoke with AGR, and other steering gear box rebuilders/distributors, as well as, several custom machine shops, in an attempt to have a custom steering gear box made with 12 to 1 constant ratio steering. I have not found a company that makes this, nor have I found a shop willing/able to do this (in part, due to liability).

4. It was suggested that I may wish to install a late model 13 to 1 constant ratio DODGE worm gear, since it "should" fit in my steering box housing, however it may pull to the right.

5. I also looked into a different configured pitman and idler arm to increase steering response. However, it appears that, there is not enough room to do so, unless major major changes were made.

6. I even looked into "steering quickeners", yet could not find one that would fit.

Therefore, I was left with only the possibility of the 03' lightning steering gear box. However, I have not tried this yet, since it is only a 14 to 1 ratio steering gear box.

Currently, I have been trying to find out if the late model f150 has something called a "rag joint", since Truckin' Mag. stated that, an overlooked steering item can be a worn out rag joint

 

I was correct the first time….I hate bad info.

Anyway I took apart a 99 L steering box yesterday and stamped on the case is the ratio of 15.4:1 and the quickest box AGR can make for us would be a 14:1 and that is not really that much of a difference. Ideally I think I would want 12:1 but without having that in the truck who knows…

The 2003 Lightning definitely gets a different box and here is the part number 3L3Z-3504-AARM ($735.68 List) I do not know what the exact differences are so maybe Sal or Superfords can chime in.

 

Now that is very interesting info................

Since the standard f150s have 14 to 1 and what all the experts say about the lightning having the same 14 to 1 steering, I wonder why Ford put the "slower" 15:4:1 in the 99 ightning or was a 15:4:1 steering gear box housing used with the faster 14 to 1 worm gear in that model?

Several experts said that in part, the rational for the slower 14 to 1 steering, even in the Lightning, was to prevent the "average" driver from over steering the truck and having an accident

 

Big D,

I would really like to go to L-fest but that is one Hell of a haul from central Texas.

Jerry

 

I ran the part number thru the computer and the 99-02 Lightning box is the same as the 97-03 F-150.

I know where to look for the ratio so I am going to see what came on my 02 Harley truck.

 

I just went and checked this on my 99' f150 (same steering set-up as a late model lightning). Although, I am going to call AGR (again), this is what I found:

While setting in the drivers chair and looking directly DOWN at the steering wheel, I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL CLOCKWISE, then I went around to the front of the truck and looked under the bumper at the pitman arm that is attached to the steering gear box, the pitman arm had TURNED FROM THE 6:OO O'CLOCK POSITION TO THE PASSENGER SIDE OR 9:00 O'CLOCK POSITION. If you were looking UP at the pitman arm, it would be moving clockwise. However, if you were looking DOWN at the pitman arm, it would be moving COUNTER clockwise. I think this means that the steering gear box is a "reverse" version.

 

The search I came across for 2002 specs said this:

Steering
Type Recirculating ball, power assist
Gear ratio 14:0.1 (on center)
Turns, lock to lock 3.3
Turning diameter 44 ft. 3 in.

I can only find "The steering gear is revalved for 2003 and has better on-center feel and reduced lash."...

"Lash defined: Lash is the condition in which the steering control can be turned through some part of a revolution without front wheel motion. The wheels should be loaded and positioned straight ahead."

"On-center Feel defined: The responsiveness and feel of the steering when the steering wheel is approximately centered. In a vehicle with good on-center feel, the wheel tends to return to center when slightly deflected, providing good straight-line stability."

 

Ok here is what i have found out, if you turn the sterring wheel left you will go left, if you turn it right you will go right.

 

It sounds to me like ford is progressively increasing the hardness of the front end bushings, or rubber pivot points on the front a-arms.
My friend has a 99 and I have 00 and there is a big difference in the "feel" of the steering wheel. I pretty sure it doesn't have anything to do with the box.
Dale

 

Called AGR (again) and the tech. was unsure about the reverse and standard gear box issue. However, he attempted to cross-reference different gear boxes. He concluded that if you have a late model f150 (or Lightning) you have zero options! I even asked about a a custom gear box and he said "no".

Did only the 03' lightning receive the re-valved gear box? I am going to get a used or salvaged 03' gear box and try it. I need to know if I am looking only for the lightning version or if other f150 models received the re-valved version.

 

This part number is for the 2003 Lightning only... 3L3Z-3504-AARM It did not show any other truck when I pulled it up.

What about an Afco steering quickner?

 

Thanks for the part no. I tried fordpartsonline.com and fordpartscheap.com with no part found. I guess the 03' Lightning re-valved steering gear box is a Ford dealership part only at this time?

I called AFCO last year and this year, about their steering quickners. They said they did not have one for f150s, nor did they know where one could be found or made.