matrix156

Hey all,

Just hoping that someone out there can shed some light on a problem I am having.

I just bought a F250 Super Duty 2001 with the 5.4 liter motor with 46000 miles on her. Someone before me put bigger tires on her. 285/75. The door sticker says it should have 265/75. The problem with the truck is the steering wheel will not return to center when turning. I have to make it come back. It makes it difficult to drive on the highways at a higher rate of speed(60 - 65mph). I find myself constantly oversteering the truck. I took it to the mechanic and he replaces the driver side upper and lower ball joints. He said the passenger side has allready been replaced. That did not make a big drastic change. I still have to get a front wheel alignment because of the new ball joints. Does anyone have any suggestions? Or do I have to live with it if I decide to keep these oversized tires? Thanks, Steve

 

atec77

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The self centering action has a large component of caster , I suspect that may be to small and the toe in may well be a little low.. have the alighnment checked by someone who understands the action of light truck and 3wd front ends ( thats not k mart)

atec77

Ah thats 4wd front ends :)

Johnny Mullet

Ah! There was a "Special Service Message" From Ford about this on that model!

The outer tie rod ends can sieze in the ball socket and cause a "memory steer" condition. You said the ball joints are done, so take my advise here...............

Take the nut off of one or the other tie rod end and seperate it from the knuckle. Now try to turn the stud. If it does not turn, the replace them with a greasable replacement part.

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jasonantheking

Also loosen the nut on the steering box, back it out just a hair and try that. This has to do with the tightness of the steering, lots of play then tighten, to tight, get the picture.

jasonantheking

too tight then loosen.