F250 4WD steering issues

[HJohnson]

The steering in my 02 PSD 4x4 is vague and loose (truck has 235k on it). Ive replaced the front ball joints and all of the steering linkage/drag link/pitman arm/etc...plus tightened the steering box setscrew.

All that helped a bunch, but its still not up to snuff. People tell me that, short of replacing the steering box entirely, the only other thing left to look at is the rag joint.

Is this true, and if so, whats the best way to attack the problem? can I replace the rag joint in the driveway or is it too tough?


TIA

 

[rammertide07]

I've done all of that...except for replacing the steering box.

Yesterday my wheel bearings in the hub assembley shot while I was driving. After paying $128 for the hub assembly and $98 for labor, my steering is AWESOME!! Not too loose and not too tight.

 

[JLDickmon]

a rag joint isn't a big deal, but I doubt that's the problem...
final thing to try before throwing a box at it would be the stabilizer cylinder (the shock absorber on the steering linkage)
tires could be crap, too.

 

[HJohnson]

the tires are almost new, but the steering damper is old. Ill try that next thanks.

RE: hub assy, not sure exactly where that is but all the bearings in the front were replaced when I did the balljoints. dont know if that covers it or not.

 

[rammertide07]

the tires are almost new, but the steering damper is old. Ill try that next thanks.

RE: hub assy, not sure exactly where that is but all the bearings in the front were replaced when I did the balljoints. dont know if that covers it or not.

Yea, the wheel bearings are in the hub assembly. The hub assembly is what your hub goes into and also has the lug bolts.

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