Hey all, I just purchased a 92 F150. It is my first truck...ever. It has the 5.0 in it and is a 5 speed 2wd. it feels like there is alot of play in the steering and when I drive i feel like i am constantly correcting just to stay in the lines of the road. Is this normal and i am just not used to it or can the steering be tightened? Thanks for the advice. Be gentle on the noob btw lol


cerelious

 

get ball joints tierods and drag links. that will tighten it up.

could also be the steering box. but my guess is the ball joints, tie rods and drag links all need replaced.

or you can get a steering stabilizer shock kit ( like the ones on 4x4s and put that on, should help but wont fix it.

 

ok how do I check to see if these things are bad? I have never done this before but want to learn...

 

ball joints jack truck up one tire at a time on the front. use a bar or something under the tire and lift up and down on it. if they are real bad you can do it by hand.
tie rods you move the lifted tire side to side like it would move if you were turning the wheel. ( or if the tie rod boots are really grundgy looking with lots of cracks in the rubber you can bet they need replaced.

if their is any play at all they need to be replaced

 

also on the top of the steering box there is a screw with a retaining nut. loosen the nut and turn the screw in clockwise a turn then tighten the nut. go for a drive then repeat the process till you feel all the play is out of your steering. did it to mine after checking everything was good on the front end and it took about 3 inches of play out of my steering and its alot better to drive!