Updates on Steering - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

72TNTSkidoo · 11-21-2006, 06:02 PM

I brought it to one of the Ford dealers around here. They said that it needed: All new ball joints, track bar, rear u-bolts, alignment, and rotation and balance on wheels, totaling over $1,800.

So I said forget you guys because the truck's u-bolts are brand new, so theres no way there bad, the truck had just been aligned as well.

so I take to another ford dealer, and they said:

New Power Steering pump, drag link, right side upper and lower ball joints, totaling $1,200. Said the vibration I was feeling are the rotors, which are warped, but the break are good so he said its not worth replacing them because it would just go right back to that.

So I am just going to have them replace the pump for now, and doing the ball joints, drag link next week.

**smallengineguy** · 11-21-2006, 06:05 PM

Gees, guy! That truck will be BRAND NEW by the time it's done!

G-ForceJunkie · 11-21-2006, 10:29 PM

I'll admit to not knowing that much about steering assembly's, but how can a power steering possibly have anything to do with loose steering?

upersleder · 11-22-2006, 06:19 AM

the pump really dont, but the drag link and ball joints really do. i dont know why they say the pump is bad....???

**smallengineguy** · 11-22-2006, 06:20 AM

That's what I was thinking. That just helps you steer, it doesn't control looseness.

72TNTSkidoo · 11-22-2006, 09:53 AM

Well heres my feeling, it sorta of does. The truck, after replacing steering gearbox, and universal joint, and having it tightened, made it straight again, almost.. But, there was no firmness in the wheel, it lacked that tightness. When I would turn around a corner, the wheel doesn't retract, I had to turn back. When I drive all are other vehicles, they all have that steering when you turn real quick, it centers back to the middle, my truck doesn't do that. So, I think it will really help, to put pressure back on the wheel. The pump was always bad to, every time I am trying to turn around in a driveway, the pump is making alot of noises, so he said it was very low and very weak. I will let you know how it helps, I get it back at noon.

freakshow12 · 11-22-2006, 03:05 PM

welcome to the ford truck steering club! LOL up until the 97 up trucks they ALL had some slop. my old 73 was about as good as the 91 I had. no lie. I can see the ball joints being bad but if you had the box replaced, why didnt they see the drag link. I think you are being owned.

upersleder · 11-22-2006, 03:29 PM

the pump may well be bad if it is making alot of noise, altho i believe your ball joints being worn out is the major cause for your wheel not returning. the bad ball joints are throwing off your caster and camber in the front end, the drag link is screwing your toe...... so when you get done you will be really impressed.... (well as much as you can with a ferd)

72TNTSkidoo · 11-22-2006, 06:00 PM

Lol thats what i am told, that the steering can only be so good. I just picked the truck up, with the new pump, it doesn't wine any more when you crank the wheel, and it did help put some pressure back on the wheel, and drives 80% smoother, but I am going back in a few weeks to get the ball joints all replaced, and that drag link, and that will be it. Thats what you get when you use a plow truck that aggressively for 10 years, your going to break everything, including the motor, u-joints, tie-rods, breaks, gear box, pumps, wheels, shocks, transmissions, you name it, it will die faster than you can say, HoLy CRAP!! Not to mention the paint, and everything. That rust just kills everything too. Ahh , don't ever buy a snowplow Truck! Just happy everything is replaced after the ball joints etc.

mx and sled 41 · 11-22-2006, 06:05 PM

thats why i decided not to buy a 4X4 lol because most of them have all been plowed with and i didnt want the hassel... you put a lot more into your truck than i have/will be, but then again, your truck is brand new... im not replacing anything i dont absolutely have to.

72TNTSkidoo · 11-22-2006, 06:31 PM

Exactly man, you probably loving that puppy. I really don't brag too much about this thing around mechanics etc, because they know the only reason why its running so good is because i have donated my life savings into it lol. But I just really think this thing is awesome, I love the body style, the massive motor, has the perfect stock height, strong 4 wheel drive and low end torque, 8 foot bed, I just love it, i don't go a day without staring at my own truck every time i see it.

srt20 · 11-25-2006, 07:12 PM

TRACK BAR is what your problem is!! do that first and then see how it steers

72TNTSkidoo · 11-25-2006, 10:11 PM

Yeah, I will investigate into that problem more, I just want to get them damn headers, but every time I save enough up, I spend all on this f'n steering.