power steering problem??

[Blane]

so this is my first big truck. the power steering works fine while im moving. but when im backing out of a spot and cut the wheel it is rediculously hard to turn the wheel. is this normal? ive got 315/70/16 BFG all terrains. i would just think if there was a problem it would affect it all the time. once i start moving a few mph its fine.

 

[DaveBen]

Yes it is hard to turn the wheel when the truck is not moving. You have got some big meats there and the weight of the diesel engine makes the pumps job tough. Creap up or back a little and it will work easier.

Dave

 

[FastColts]

so this is my first big truck. the power steering works fine while im moving. but when im backing out of a spot and cut the wheel it is rediculously hard to turn the wheel. is this normal? ive got 315/70/16 BFG all terrains. i would just think if there was a problem it would affect it all the time. once i start moving a few mph its fine.

Shaggy... DaveBen is correct about the stock steering. Do some homework on Red-Head Steering Gears (link below) here and the "other" sites. Many have bought their boxes to reduce steering wander (Ford box worn out at 50K+) and discovered that it makes the steering easier when not moving. One guy said it steered as easily as his wife's Toyota. I checked with them and their steering boxes are $236-326 depending on whether it is a 32 or 36 spline sector shaft. My truck has 65k with many replaced front-end parts and a Red-Head box is next. It steers well but I believe what these guys say about the way their trucks handle with a Red-Head box.

http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/

 

[Blane]

thanks alot. i figured with the weight of the engine and size of the tires it would make it harder but just wanted to make sure. thanks for the link!