Is the 99'/00' 32 spline steering box problematic?

[Crumm]

If you own a 99/00 Ford Superduty with a 32 spline steering box you might check it out. I was reading over at a Jetboat forum that I visit and a member had broke the shaft in his. He did some research and found out that the 32 spline shaft is prone to failure. Apparently there is a 36 spline steering box/pitman arm setup that is a upgrade. I don't know if there is a TSB on this problem but it would be bad to break your steering box shaft when cruising down the highway. His broke when maneuvering in a parking lot but apparently some guys have not been so lucky. I had never heard of this problem so I thought I would pass it on.

 

[Crumm]

No comments? Anyone heard of this problem?

 

[DaveBen]

That looks like the type of break that would happen if you hit a rock or a curb, and not going down the highway. But I am not a metals specialist.

Dave

 

[BBBxcursion]

I have never heard of this before............

 

[Ford_Forgotton]

I've been hearing about this for YEARS!!!!

They come in phases for some reason. DOnt hear about any for awhile, and then pow, like 10 of em!

This just recently popped up on TDS the other day too, Except I think it was an 01 that had the failure.

I think almost every failure has been low speed/parking lot stuff, but there have been a couple freeway speed accidents.

I believe the one I remember from TDS, FORD blamed the break on the crash, not the CAUSE of the crash. But listening to the driver tell the story, you'd think otherwise.