My 99 F150 has had really sloppy steering since I have owned it (2.5 years) and I'm finally getting tired enough of it to do something about it. I tried the adjusting screw a long time ago, but all that did was make the wheel harder to turn. It didn't remove the slack or much of it, anyway.

My question is where did you get the box and what do you think of it? Ford wants $300 for a reman and Napa gets $200 for theirs. Sounds like no contest, but I know the parts stores sometimes have crappy stuff.

Anyway, for anyone that has done it, please share your experience.

 

just wondering. you ever eyeball inner and outer tie rods? idler arm? pitman arm? any of those could give ya a sloppy feeling. things like the idler and inner rod ends seem neglected more than outer rods and pitmans.

 

My 98 has the same problem (atleast 1" to 1-1/2" slack), I was going to adjust the sector shaft. Now that you say no noticable difference after adjusting I'll focus on frontend links. There must be a factory spec 1/2" slack in the wheel like most cars and light duty trucks. My frontend shop told me that factory F150 ball joints are the weakest of the weak, maybe the tie-rods and other links could be as inferior.

Keep us updated on what you find.

 

Well, guys a little more info might help. Its done it since I bought it and I had a pre-purchase inspection which only noted a bad idler. It was replaced and was definitely in need of it.

I have had someone move the steering wheel back and forth only to see the steering shaft moving on the back of the box, but no movement of the pitman to match. Pretty sure its the box.

 

Sure its not the pitman arm stripped out on the inside? Read this thread:
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...ght=pitman+arm

 

Well I can check the pitman again. Like I said, the front end was inspected prior to purchase. I actually bought a new steering shaft because the u-joints looked shot to me. The new one came with joints that looked the same so I never put it on. Right when I went to put it on is when I was poking around and found the lack of movement of the pitman arm. Might as well put it in I guess. I just assumed everything inside the box was loose.

 

OK, just thought I would throw an update on here.

I removed the shaft connecting the steering wheel to the gearbox and looked for wear. Everything was fine. I could definitely see the steering shaft turning with no movement on the shaft that the pitman is on. I went to the auto recyclers and got a new (well, used) gearbox for 100 bucks. My initial inspection of that box is a lot less slack, but until its installed I won't know for sure. They gave me a 60 day warranty, which is nice for a used part.

I plan to make the swap this weekend, and barring trashed fittings on the fluid lines (have my tubing wrenches ready!) it should be a pretty easy swap. I'll update again when its done.

 

Well, the new gearbox is in and the slack seems to be gone or at least MUCH better than it was. Took me longer than expected due to fighting with the lines both removing and installing them. Almost all is well now, except my steering wheel is not pointed straight any more. I can't adjust it as the steering shaft is indexed to only go on in one way on the gearbox- looks like its time for an alignment. It hasn't had one in 30k+ miles, so thats not such a bad thing.

Anyway, just some info for anyone that may need to do a similar job in the future.

 

I can't hardly believe it, but I seemed to have solved an additional problem by replacing the gearbox. My truck had an annoying bounce from 40-43 or so since I have owned it. I had always thought it was the rear that was the problem. It felt like the bed was bouncing up and down. And maybe it was.

Prior to now, brakes were replaced (needed them anyway). Wheels were replaced (at least 2 were bent by a previous owner). Tires were replaced (thank you BigO recall- $800 savings!!). Rotations were done, rebalancing done. The rear end was put in the air to look for possible bent axles while the truck was running in gear. Nothing made much difference until I replaced the steering gearbox this weekend. The bouncing seems to be completely gone now. Even when I try to make it do it.

OK, thats probably enough updating for this thread. Hopefully it helps someone in the future with an issue.

 

I imagine you are in the US. that is not a bad price.Canadian tire wanted $370 plus tax. I managed to get one for 178$ tax included. My friend and me re and re it. It was quite an experience since we had no Pitman Arm puller. Th ebottom seal was gone and it leaked badly.

 

You DO know that this thread is 4 years old?

 

not any more !

 

I was wondering when I posted in this thread, I dont remember being drunk lately.

 

I'll see your old thread and bump it after 2 years...doing some searching this thing came up and I have very similar symptoms as the OP. In fact, last front end work, we questioned the gear box but decided to go forth without it. Now it's time.

That's something I love about this forum- I can usually find all I need to satisfy my presumptions and questions- even in a 6 year old thread! I'm 'bout to order me a reman box off eBay to finish that front end job. Have to agree on Ford ball joints...not real pleased with them. Moog? Anyway....

Yahoo archives!

 

>That's something I love about this forum- I can usually find all I need to satisfy my presumptions and questions- even in a 6 year old thread!

Hear, hear!

Biennial bump