DSG

hello all, new to the forum!

I've searched and searched for an answer to my question, but any questions i've come across dont seem to have my same symptoms.

Ok here goes,

All new ball joints(uppers and lowers) new inner and out tie rods and ends, new idler arm. almost everything except the pitman arm, which was inspected and found to be ok. now the problem i've had is, the steering wheel is loose meaning there is some play in it, maybe about 3/4 of an inch before the tires start to move. also when making turns i can feel slight feedback in the steering wheel, its like a fish nibbling on a line. thats the best way i can describe it. the steering wheel is not center. also i adjusted the torsion bars, but they settled back down to exactly where they were before, got an alignment after i adjusted them, but when they settled back down i think it made the alignment moot. also i've looked at the steering shaft, and i can grab it and wiggle it, seems to be alot of play in that area, im not sure how much play there is supposed to be, also adjusted the steering box, helped a little but still i can feel the problem. any advice or anyone have the same experience, would appreciate in comments. thank you.

4xfour

New steering box is prolly needed... I have the same problem

FordTruckMotorsport

What about the steering shaft or column, mine is loose too but i dont think it come from the box..

look at this, may be it would help you.

This video is for a 04-08 but i dont think there is much difference on steering parts with our generation..

https://www.f150forum.com/f76/how-re...08-f150-97069/

Tackle

3/4 inch play in the steering wheel before the tires move is perfectly acceptable. You're truck is 10+ years old and will not perform like a nice and tight brand new BMW.

You've replaced all parts I would have suggested for play in steering (minus the pitman). If you're going to replace the steering box, replace the pitman first as it could save you money if it is the issue.

Also, there is an adjustment screw on the steering box. Do not turn more than 1/2 turn in either direction. That could help.

Steering wheel off center can be addressed at an alignment shop as the tie rods are adjusted to correct it.

DSG

I've had 4 f150's 3 supercrews, and one extended cab, this is the only one that the steering was like this. I dont expect it to be tight, like a car or anything, but i know what it should be like from having other f150's.

so i guess replace the pitman arm? then just keep going down the checklist? not even a shop could tell me what the main culprit was, thats why i had all those other parts replaced, they said, yup thats your problem replace all those and it will be solved.
[MENTION=139835]FordTruckMotorsport[/MENTION] - I think the steering shafts are different. i've looked and they seem to be alot different. 2004-2008's look rather simple to replace, ours(1997-2003) seem alot harder, i dont know where to start, because i was thinking about replacing the steering shaft.

mudslinger02

The steering shaft is easy to replace. 1 bolt at the gear box and 1 under the dash. I took mine out and used a hammer and chisel to tighten up the slip joint and it made a big difference

4xfour

Out of the steering box, lower steering shaft or pitman arm. How do you troubleshoot which needs to be done?

DSG

x2

Wolvee

My question first question would be, is this your first truck and what other vehicles are you comparing the steering to?

DSG

No this is not my first truck, as i stated in a previous post, this is my 4th f150(all 1997-2003). i know how the steering should be. which was why i was trying to right the steering problem. I dont expect it to be tight, but it's not supposed to be as loose as it now.