[Cottonwoodguy]

2003 F250 4X4 7.3 Auto. 205,000. I am getting some pretty harsh clunking from my front end. Just did ball joints all tie rod/drag link ends. Sway bar bushings, track bar bushings. I noticed my pitman arm will move up and down about an inch, taking the steering box shaft with it. Is it time for a rebuild on the box, or just replace it, or is that much vertical shaft play normal? Thanks!!!

 

[FMTRVT]

Should be zero play in that dimension. I'm surprised you not leaking PS fluid.

 

[Cottonwoodguy]

Does not leak a drop, never has. I just got under it last night and started testing for movement on all the front end components with a pry bar and noticed the steering box shaft had that vertical movement, no horizontal play, just straight up and down. So time for a new steering box? Any recommendations on brand, the truck is not lifted and I runs stock tires, it is just a work truck, Thanks!!

 

[Googs]

Do a search on Redhead steering box , most people here have been using them and are happy.

How much movement have you got in the main shaft?

You can try and adjust the the steering box to see if it does make any difference , i too am surprised you haven't any fluid leaking from the bottom seal in the steering box.

If and when you adjust the steering box make sure you put a mark the allen bolt so you know where you started turning the lock nut from , then loosen the lock nut. turn the allen bolt clockwise a quarter turn to tighten the gear mesh, tighten the lock nut and road test your vehicle.

Be careful not to over-tighten the allen bolt, if this happens, the steering may become too tight and get extremely stiff when turning and possibly causing more damage.

Also check the nut that holds the pitman arm on the tapered shaft it could be worn.

 

[Greg03PSD]

Another vote for Redhead steering gears. I have had one on my truck for several years and it has been great.

 

[yan7gin]

Redhead box is next for my truck +1


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[thegreenmachine]

I'm new to the site I've got a gear popping grinding sound under driver seat. new transfer case new hubs new axle u joints new front drive shaft rebuilt rear drive shaft fluid change in both diff's complete ac replacement complete brake system etc. it only happens when I turn left slight left or hard left it also does it in neutral. any ideas

 

[Googs]

You say new hubs, is there new needle roller bearings in there too?

have you a loose mud flap on the LH side?

At what speed does the noise appear?

 

[BS Hauler]

It could be the bushings in the ends of the leaf springs.

 

[thegreenmachine]

don't suppose there would be a test for them bushings i bet there pretty cheap. thanks for the info.

Goog
again new needle bearings no mud flaps, and 5 mph on up not in reverse and yes in 4wd still noise. new blinker fluid also.

 

[thegreenmachine]

How about tranny could something be going out there. 4r100