[Malia29728]

I have a 2002 F250 7.3 with 300,000 miles. While I love my truck it's quickly turning into a pain in the butt. It has sat in my yard more than its been on the road. My 1996 F250 7.3 is more dependable than this truck.

I have been having a problem with the feeling of "loose" steering for about 8-10,000 miles and now it seems scary to keep on the road so it's been parked. I took it to a couple places and tie rods, bearings and such checked out. While the truck was jacked up I noticed that when they turned my steering wheel from side to side it makes and 'clunk clunk' sound. I was told by everyone that it's my gear box.

I'm looking for directions on how to do that. If anyone has a video that would be even better. How hard of a job is this?

 

[blue99stroker]

It's not too hard. The pitman arm can be difficult to get off without a puller.

The steering boxes are known to need replacement at 150-200k miles.
I just replaced mine at 250k miles


You can tighten the nut on the top one full turn but that's it. That might make the steering a little tighter. But it's a band aid.

 

[blackout2]

Jack the front end up and turn full left and right, tighten quarter turn, test full turning left and right for binding, repeat until you detect binding at any point. The binding should happen outside of the straight steering position because the gears are less worn there and obviously will be tighter. Do not overtighten, take your time and stop at first sign of binding/grabbing.

 

[rv6a]

At the 300K mark mine started to wander quite a bit. It would dart left and right at the most inopportune moments and was down right scary especially with the 34' fifth wheel in tow. I replaced the worn ball joints and it drives like new again. The passenger side was so worn I could move the top of the tire two inches side to side when jacked up.

You did not mention type of truck, 4X4, 2wd etc... Mine is a 4X4, YMMV.