'08 F250 STEERING ISSUES... Please help! - Ford Forums

socal_F250 · 07-28-2008, 16:01

All,

I've recently purchased an '08 F250 XLT 5.4L Crew Cab. Traded in my F150 5.4L Crew Cab because the SD has the integrated brake controller and heavier suspension for pulling my travel trailer.

Issue I am having is that of the steering. There seemed to be a lot of play in the steering wheel. Towing a 26' travel trailer is pretty damn hard when being passed by Semi's on the open road. Keeping the thing in a straight line is hard enough. I've taken it to two different dealers and they both have said that there is nothing abnormal and that the tire pressures were off. The first dealer said they checked the alignment and made some adjustments. First of all, I had the tire pressures right where the specs say to have them (lil sticker on the driver's door jam). I am a stickler about making sure I have correct pressure. I attempted to show them that there is slop in the steering wheel and you can notice that the wheel doesnt even move until you turn the steering wheel considerably. They look at me like I'm crazy!!! I'm worried they don't want to incur the charges of the warrantly work if there is a problem. THERE IS A PROBLEM!!! I do not feel secure. I ended up taking it to a pretty reliable alignment shop nearby and he said that he see's there can be a problem. I didn't want to pay for anything there so he recommended that I attempt to tighten the steering box. I did that. It seemed to help a "little" bit but at the same time seems as though it is tougher to turn the damn wheel now.

I hate the fact that in my mind I wanted to stay loyal to FORD and with a beautiful F250 would be extremely happy. SO far with the POWER that this lil 5.4L and the tow command, I am. But this steering thing is killing me!

PLEASE HELP.

Thank you in advance!

**jwko** · 07-28-2008, 18:25

Don't tell Ford you adjusted the steering box. I would adjust it back if possible and take it back to the dealer where you bought it & raise hell with the salesman. Keep on em. Try putting someone at the steering wheel and have them wiggle it back and forth. You get under the truck & you should be able to see if something is loose. Wheel bearings tight?

socal_F250 · 07-28-2008, 18:45

Great idea! I should jack up the front end and see if the tie-rods, wheel bearing, etc? This just sucks. Shouldn't have to be dealing with this crap. Thank you for your help. I'll post what I find.... IF ANYTHING

JDW · 08-01-2008, 11:50

First of all - how about some clarification - for me anyhow:

1. Is the truck a 4X4 and do you have a rear sway bar? If not, you need one
2. Does the truck 'wander' without the trailer hooked on.
3. What model is your truck - if it's a Lariat or H-D you'll have "Rancho" branded shocks. That's exactly what they are - is branded Ford parts and are, IMHO junk. Bilsteins are the best way. If the OEM's don't show leaks, you will not get a warranty replacement from Ford. My OEM "Rancho" branded were shot at 30K with three collapsing under their own weight when stood up in the corner after removal - and no apparent leaks
4. Are you using an equalizer hitch and do you have the lift bars too tight and literally lifting the truck's rear wheels off of the ground. They do not need to be as tight on an F250 as they were on the F150. One or 2 chain links loosened may make a difference.
5. Are you using an anti-sway device? At 27' you probably need one - I did to get the last bit of sway out of my F350/29' combination.
6. Is the trailer loaded correctly - i.e. too much rear weight. I travel with all of my trailer tanks empty as that water weight @8.33#/gallon will throw off the balance, Fresh at 30 gallons/grey at ??/ black at ?? could be a lot. Do you have a lot in the truck bed when you travel??
7. What brand of tires? Most of the OEM tires on any vehicle are marginal at best. Some are down right crap!!!

As a note, I over inflate my tires by 5 pounds, both the truck and trailer for less heat build up if no other reason plus will make the side walls flex less

JDW

AllenW · 08-02-2008, 12:47

I think you said it has to much play whether your towing or not, that would lead me to think its not tongue weight being to high.
See if you can find a similar model at the dealers and compare, if yours is much grater than there's drag the service manager out and show him.
Not all service managers are created equal, it can be hard to find one that actually works with you.

Al

kaboom10 · 08-02-2008, 14:02

If tongue weight is an issue put air bag load assists on to help the rear suspension.