Steering wheel column beef-up?

JD3020 · Feb 28, 2013

I've already re-built my column once, about 2 years ago. Pretty sure i used the kit from Ford. Well now its time to do it again. Ford told me $75 for the kit, which is alright, but i don't wanna re-build it now just to do it again in the future. Pretty sure my issue is because i have no steps or grab handles, so i find myself using the wheel to pull myself into the cab. Bad habit, but i find myself hopping into the truck roughly 6 times a day on average.

But other than our OBS's, i've never really heard of any trucks having steering column issues. Our 03 D-max has 226k miles with 0 issues, and my buddies SD has 280k miles and no issues. Both trucks have no steps and sit up fairly high, so the steering wheel gets used as a grab handle frequently. I know the stock bearings are tiny little things, and its no surpise that they don't hold up worth a damn. So has anybody ever tried to use actual decent sized bearings or something to help add some strength?

JCart · Mar 9, 2013

Think it will be a challenge to find a replacement bearing set that matches the stockers. I also replaced the mid shaft with a Borgeson which removed significant play in the system, that will reduce stress on the column bearings. The big plus there is it tightened up the steering a lot.... not more herding hogs for me, hahahaaa

jrc

JD3020 · Mar 12, 2013

My box and front-end are fairly tight, so i don't think its that. Although i had to move my truck around the other day without being able to start it, surprised nothing broke while trying to get the wheels turned. LOL

But my wear comes from using it as a grab handle, but that should be fixed now. Picked up a set of the factory fiberglass steps for $20. Should make it a lot easier to get in.

superduty4x4 · Mar 13, 2013

JD3020 said:
My box and front-end are fairly tight, so i don't think its that. Although i had to move my truck around the other day without being able to start it, surprised nothing broke while trying to get the wheels turned. LOL

But my wear comes from using it as a grab handle, but that should be fixed now. Picked up a set of the factory fiberglass steps for $20. Should make it a lot easier to get in.

Nice score!

JD3020 · Mar 13, 2013

superduty4x4 said:
Nice score!

Thats what i thought!

I've been trying to find a set for months, but either they are missing the brackets, are beat up, or the guys want $150+. Found this set on CL, and hurried home from work to meet him. Pull into the driveway and recognized the place. Then the guy walks out and realized it was one of our friends old roommates. LOL