Tierod

[johndeerezach]

So I have a very loose steering on my 99 and was underneath the other day and accidentally ran in to the tie road and it has a lot of play in it like I can twist it. Would this cause the loose steering by itself or is it a cause of many things? I assume it's the ball joints that make it this way.

 

[johndeerezach]

Is there a company that makes heavier ball joints?

 

[6.0 p-stroke]

I believe the ball joints from f450/550s are a good upgrade, I don't know of any aftermarket options though.

 

[johndeerezach]

And they are just heavier duty. And fit right in?

 

[6.0 p-stroke]

I think so, I know of a couple guys around me that recommend them, especially with big tires. I need to do the ball joints on my truck and I was planning on going this route.

 

[abbottfarms]

I'd be curious to find out if the ball joints from the 450/550's are a direct replacement. If so I would seriously consider going that route on my 01, doesn't seem to matter what i put in it for ball joints, I have to replace them every few years.

 

[johndeerezach]

that is something that i am interested in and i guess a guy cud ask like a ford service tech or something like that unless a big truck frame and axle shop has them in stock.

 

[TARM]

I believe there is no difference in the ball joints 250-550 until you get to the 05 with its super 60 front axle and those do not fit IIRC.

When you say the tie rod is spinning do you mean it really can rotate or is just severe play in the ball joint at the drivers side?

But yes that can cause loose steering. XRF offers IMO the best tie rod kit and its the best cost as well. While you are at it check the unit bearings and ball joints. Get XRF ball joints as well. Moog is not what it use to be in ball joints or tie rod parts.

Other things to check is the steering gear box. In SD these most times have gotten loose from where. Some are that way from the factory. Redhead or Lee are the best IMO for gear boxes. You can check the play in the box with a partner turning the wheel and watch to see when the pit arm starts to move.

From what I have seen other than the unit bearings when any of the other stuff wears enough to need replacing all the other stuff needs it as well. Basically you end up doing a front end rebuild: Ball Joints, Unit bearings, U-joints, Tie rod kit. gear box(this only with the stock box as they seem to be loose 100K-150K)

 

[6.0 p-stroke]

Good info Tarm! Unfortunately my front end needs a good bit of work I'm afraid $$$
I've heard of a way to 'tighten' the steering gear box, do you have any info on that, other than replacing it?

 

[johndeerezach]

I believe there is no difference in the ball joints 250-550 until you get to the 05 with its super 60 front axle and those do not fit IIRC.

When you say the tie rod is spinning do you mean it really can rotate or is just severe play in the ball joint at the drivers side?

But yes that can cause loose steering. XRF offers IMO the best tie rod kit and its the best cost as well. While you are at it check the unit bearings and ball joints. Get XRF ball joints as well. Moog is not what it use to be in ball joints or tie rod parts.

Other things to check is the steering gear box. In SD these most times have gotten loose from where. Some are that way from the factory. Redhead or Lee are the best IMO for gear boxes. You can check the play in the box with a partner turning the wheel and watch to see when the pit arm starts to move.

From what I have seen other than the unit bearings when any of the other stuff wears enough to need replacing all the other stuff needs it as well. Basically you end up doing a front end rebuild: Ball Joints, Unit bearings, U-joints, Tie rod kit. gear box(this only with the stock box as they seem to be loose 100K-150K)

when i mean loose i mean i can grab the tie rod and twist it torsionally and the rod is not spinning it is tight on the adj. but the whole assm. moves toghether.

 

[johndeerezach]

yea i am still amazed at what they charge for ball joints. lowers are 82 a piece and thats moog and uppers are 53 a piece moog as well

 

[Dmstrucks02]

just replaced all my front end stuff ball joints and the streering kit they offer, nice quality. Its only been a few thousands miles but all is well. My Moog ball joints only lasted a year and a half

 

[johndeerezach]

so you went with moog again then?

 

[Sniper32]

Good info Tarm! Unfortunately my front end needs a good bit of work I'm afraid $$$
I've heard of a way to 'tighten' the steering gear box, do you have any info on that, other than replacing it?

If you look down at the top of the steering box, youll see a allen head screw with a locking nut. break the nut loose then tighten the screw. Ive read multiple view points on this...some say 1/4 turn adjustments and other 1/8 turn adjustments, so take your pick. BUT BE WARNED I have also read that once tightened it can not be loosened (something internally). Not sure how truthful that is but I would be careful bcs if you tighten it too much it can bind and then youll be out a steering box! Once adjustment is made tighten down the nut and youre good to go. I know its a tight fit but try to hold the allen wrench while you tighten the nut bcs it will turn with the nut and tighten even more.

So if you choose to do it this way make a small adjustment, drive it for a few days to feel it out, then decide to make another or not.

 

[6.0 p-stroke]

Thank you! I'll be trying this very soon, I would think I'd be ok with 1/4 turn since my stock gear box has 250k on it, only one way to find out!

 

[Dmstrucks02]

so you went with moog again then?

No all XRF stuff

 

[johndeerezach]

nice were can a guy get that stuff. do i have to find a dealer on the internet or what?

 

[Dmstrucks02]

http://www.thetireclub.com/content.wws?fname=xrf-chassis-parts.html
Got mine here