Are all EPAS's created equal? Ford parts site seems to have a ton of different combinations as far as wheelbase/trailer tow packages/etc.

RockAuto shows different options, but I have no idea what's what. Load Leveler trailer tow? Don't really see that one mentioned much. Will have to count my steering lock to lock......

 

Far as I remember the only differences are between wheel bases.
.

 

Did find this interesting tidbit.....

The math matches, 3.75 / 3.2 = 20 / 17.


But mine doesn't even make 3 full 360 degree rotations, its more like 2.75. lol

 

Drove a same box length/cab config/model year, and it took 3.2 turns lock to lock.

EDIT: Mine did 3.2 turns, idk why that one day it locked up at 2.7. Strange.....

 

So....you think you have the wrong rack now?

 

I didn't say that, just curious which one I need to buy.....

 

Apparently the bottom one on RockAuto is a hydraulic power steering rack, after clicking info. So I'm limited to the only 3 electronics ones on there, and only 2 are for the shorter wheelbases. Now to justify wanting to spend 600 bones.

 

It should be a matter of need not want. Is yours going out?

 

There was an odd/intermittent issue last winter, parent's were using it, where if it was really cold/sat overnight (i think past freezing, not just 32F), the steering would be locked. Could drive forever in a straight line, the one time I saw it, the wheel was perfectly centered. You couldn't crank it hard enough, but had 10-20 degrees in each direction, but didn't change the actual steering. After it warmed up, it functioned fine, and the steering lock even still worked when you pull the key, but the key/wheel lock allowed for about half the rotation as you could get when it was cold (IIRC). Anyways, took it to Ford, it sat there a week and it never did it to them, it got warm, and hasn't happened since. Also since it did start working the wknd I home, it had a grainy noise in the column, not super aggressive, but enough to make anyone riding along ask what's that sound.

I didn't think it was as loud at the beginning, but I did notice the same noise out of the vehicle coming from the steering rack. It really sounds like it's totally dry, kind of an obnoxious sound. I will post a video. I had posted it in a different thread I partially hijacked. Now I'm thinking the rack is what makes the noise, and its being translated through the column. I'd love to hear thoughts/opinions. It runs/steers fine for now, so I haven't bought parts yet.....

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EUL...ew?usp=sharing


https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NJM...ew?usp=sharing