I have an '85 f-150 4x4 & the steering is loose, & has a lot of play..almost to the point where its hard to keep straight.

Ive had the front end checked a few times, everyone says it is tight.

Ive had the rag joint changed with an alignment..still the problem exists.

I even installed a dual stabilizers. No difference.

I have 31" tires, so that shouldnt be the problem.

Im thinking steering box or something...but a little curious why professionals cant find anything!!

 

i had the same problem a couple of months after i put the larger tires on my truck. the added stress of turning those larger tires caused my steering box to become loose. i tried tightening it, but it had already become damaged. i took the truck to my buddy's shop and he ordered me a new steering box and installed it and that solved the problem. havent had any trouble with the steering since. i check it every month or so to see if its starting to become loose, but so far so good. hope this helps, good luck!

 

Thanks donate,
how hard of a job is installing a steering bow & the cost$$.

 

Before you replace the box try tightening it. Just loosen the nut on top then tighten the screw in the middle of it. Retighten the nut and you are good to go. The steering box isn't to hard to replace but you will need some line wrenches for the power steering lines and you will need a pitman arm puller as well. Other than that it is pretty straight forward but it's tough to work in that small space.

-Jon

 

Thanks ford...ill try it tomorrow & post my results...hopefully this works..

 

Before you replace the box try tightening it. Just loosen the nut on top then tighten the screw in the middle of it. Retighten the nut and you are good to go.


Thanks for your help....I just tightend the box & there is a big improvement..Thanks again!!

 

Same thing happened to me...I know you said you noticed much improvement after tightening the box, but also check the frame very carefully around the box for cracks. You may have to remove the box for this. I had two small ones (it's a common and often unnoticed occurance on these Fords)--got 'em welded and steering returned to normal.

later

scott