99 F150 5.4 xlt 4x4 5 inch lift on 35s

Just got a front end alignment done. Wheels and steering wheel straight. With the steering wheel centered turning to the left there is about 15 degrees of play before I feel power steering pressure and the wheels start to turn. Then 15 degrees of play back to center where then I can turn the wheel immediately to the right and feel the pressure and the wheels start to turn. The play is enough that I can jiggle my steering wheel and truck will still drive straight. Been searching around for an answer but none neem to have my exact issue.
Thanks

 

Could there be play in your power steering gear box? Just a thought. Also, have you had someone else jiggle the wheel as you have described, while in park, with you outside making sure the wheels aren't moving? I'm no expert but I've always been led to believe that play in the steering wheel could be due to a worn out steering box. Good luck.

 

Sounds like the box to me too.

 

Thanks! Thats what I figured. Just put on Moog UCA and lower ball joints so assumed it was a steering issue. Im sure I will eventually replace it but dont have the time or money at the moment. Any ideas for anything that could help make it more bearable? Its pretty annoying having to turn the wheel 15 degrees left to keep the truck straight.

 

I don't have any ideas but I can relate. When I was growing up on the farm we had this '51 Dodge 3 ton grain truck that had so much play in the steering I was afraid to drive it to town! My Dad wasn't as worried for some reason. Are you sure yours is safe? If the play started recently, would it be good idea to get it checked out as soon as possible?

 

I want to believe its always done it the 4 or so years Ive owned it but I always assumed it was due to bad alignment. Just weird to me that it only does it to the left and only for about 1/8 of a turn then I can feel pressure from the power steering. Just had an alignment done so Im sure it something was visibly bad they would have said something. Since it was the same shop who told me I really needed to replace upper and lower ball joints.

 

Yes, there is an adjustment screw with a lock nut on it. This may or may not help, but it's worth a shot. I recommend only going incrementally 1/4 turn, then drive it.... and I believe you are not supposed to go past 1.5 total turns.

It helped my Ranger feel tighter.

 

Yes, being out of alignment makes this issues a lot less noticeable. Your wheels are always resting on where it engages, if that makes sense.... so the play is not there.

 

Thanks. Will definitely take a look when I get home. Hopefully thats all it takes.

 

Yeah, that's a lot easier than doing the whole box.