Ford f250 steering issue help

[Jerryg]

I am looking into purchasing a 2002 f 250 diesel with a 7.3. Everything is great on the truck except for the steering. When driving down the highway it creeps. If i am driving straight and it starts going to the rt and I correct it and move it over to the left it goes to the left. Can not keep it in the center of the highway. I was pulling my horse trailer yesterday and the poor horse probably thought I was drunk. Any ideas on what the issue could be. If it is a big expense I won't buy it but its a safety issue also. Any help would be appreciated...

Thx

Jerryg

[kabob]

how many miles? it could just be worn out the front end on the trucks is usully the frist thing to wear out..... you could also get under the truck and look while your buddy turns the steering wheel see if anything dont look right

[Black Ice]

It could be many different things. If you get a good deal on the truck I say buy it and get it fixed. I would bring it by a mechanic and have them give you a quote to fix on what is wrong. Use the quote to negotiate the price down one the truck. Think of it this way, even if nothing but a tie rod end is bad you will be replacing more front end parts soon on a truck that old if they haven't been replace before.

[CBHunter]

Could be several things (allignment, ball joints, etc) but most aren't terribly expensive. And that truck is probably worth the little extra it will cost you.

[Black Ice]

Could be several things (allignment, ball joints, etc) but most aren't terribly expensive. And that truck is probably worth the little extra it will cost you.

Depending on how bad the front end is and if he doesn't do the work it could be upwards of 2 grand to do it right.

[Jerryg]

It has 185,000 miles and the steering is tight, not loose. I will check it out good this weekend.

Thanks for suggestions

[Sackett]

Front end parts are cheap and easy to fix. I have an '02 F250 too and am about to buy a Redhead steering box for it because the factory and reman ones won't hold up. If you have to replace the steering box, your looking at $600 for a redhead/labor or $350 for a reman installed.

Depending on the deal you get, it would be an easy fix.

[bowhuntertex]

I know where a good front end is for that truck Jerry Its been sitting in my yard for years.........sell it cheap if you swap them out when Bones isn't home........

[CBHunter]

Depending on how bad the front end is and if he doesn't do the work it could be upwards of 2 grand to do it right.

True. The parts aren't expensive. And I'd do the work myself, so that's where I was coming from.

[gonehuntin]

Jerry have you tried tightening the screw in the steering box. I did mine twice it helped alot with the wandering on the highway. My truck wandered bad with Michelin tires.

[Jerryg]

Just got off the phone with red head a few minutes ago. They are 356.00 plus shipping and 200 core charge. Not bad and I think worth the investment. Working on the price as I type. Have not seen a cleaner truck and maintained immaculately. We will see...

[Jerryg]

Jerry have you tried tightening the screw in the steering box. I did mine twice it helped alot with the wandering on the highway. My truck wandered bad with Michelin tires.

I got on the web and also saw where they have this issue. That was one if the suggestions.. If we come to an agreement that is where I will start.

[KingRanchKiller]

It could be a couple things. Steering box, tie rod ends, possibly a pitman arm. My 02 also has loose steering, but I know mine is tie rods. I can buy new Moogs on RockAuto for $100. Most everything on the front end is a cheap fix if you can do the work yourself.

[LWD]

I'd say ball joints, but it could be the other things mentioned also. Lots of people replace the Ford ball joints with aftermarket for reliability and longevity.

LWD