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1997 - 2003 Ford F150 General discussion on the Ford 1997 - 2003 F150 truck.

Steering Wheel Play

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Old Oct 19, 2017 | 10:48 PM
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Default Steering Wheel Play

So I have some play in my wheel. My front end is all new and nice and tight. Is there any way to tighten up the steering box like on the older Ford's? I would really appreciate any input guys.
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Old Oct 20, 2017 | 01:02 AM
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There is a jam nut on them, like the older trucks.
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Old Oct 20, 2017 | 01:04 AM
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This might be of use to you....

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/tr...-steering-box/
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Old Oct 20, 2017 | 06:55 AM
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Originally Posted by jprevat
So I have some play in my wheel. My front end is all new and nice and tight. Is there any way to tighten up the steering box like on the older Ford's? I would really appreciate any input guys.
Like whitey mentioned check the jam but, but also you can replace the two collar bushings inside. Pop the ignition cylinder out, take the two screws off the cover and you'll see the two black Column bushings. At 160k mine were both ragged to almost nothing. Advance has them. Popped two new in with a thin layer of ford grease and whammy. Took about 20 mins.
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Old Oct 20, 2017 | 08:33 AM
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Ill take a look at all of this guys. Thank yall so much!
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Old Oct 20, 2017 | 02:20 PM
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JP.....if you screw with the box, only move it in 1/16 or 1/8 turns at a time. These boxes will tighten quickly and if you go too much, will wear out the worm gear in no time. Just take it in short increments till you get it the way you need it, if you must adjust it.
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Old Oct 20, 2017 | 07:11 PM
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Originally Posted by akdoggie
JP.....if you screw with the box, only move it in 1/16 or 1/8 turns at a time. These boxes will tighten quickly and if you go too much, will wear out the worm gear in no time. Just take it in short increments till you get it the way you need it, if you must adjust it.
Thank you for that. I've got almost 15* of play either way I turn my wheel before anything changes. I don't really want to mess with it but it's starting to feel like I'm driving a boat down the hwy.
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Old Oct 21, 2017 | 03:55 PM
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I tightened it up an eighth of a turn and it made a world of difference. Thanks yall.
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Old Oct 21, 2017 | 05:56 PM
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Good deal JP. Glad that worked out for you.
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Old Oct 21, 2017 | 08:43 PM
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Originally Posted by akdoggie
Good deal JP. Glad that worked out for you.
Me too. I thought I was about to have to put on a new steering box.
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