I have been having some problems with the front end of my '01 F150 Supercrew. The truck has 133,000 miles and is the 2WD model with a 5.4.

Back in July I replaced the upper ball joints, steering arm, pitman arm and both inner and outer tie rod ends. What prompted me to do this was the steering of the truck had become very "sloppy" and I could grab a tire and literally move it back and forth ~3/8" while the truck was was not running. After replacing the above components I had four new Goodyear tires installed and had a front end alignment. I did not replace the lower ball joints as they seemed to be fine...

I recently had the truck over at a buddy's shop on the lift. I could grab a front tire and move it back and forth ~1/4" without the other tire moving. It appeared the pitman arm was bad so we replaced it and had some improvement.

The problem is that the steering still seems "sloppy" and I don't want to ruin a set of tires.

Has anyone else had this problem, or, heard of this problem? If so, what was the solution?

Any suggestions, advice, etc...will be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks...

 

By steering arm, do you mean the idler? If so, then about the only thing left is the lower ball joints. That, along with the rest you've dove should get it close to firm as new. I know mine did. Also, check the sway bar links, mainly the driver side. If one is broken, this cause a lot of lean, and a mushy feel when turning.

If that don't do it, well, maybe you need to look at the steering box. Not likely, though.