loose steering -- 1985 f250 diesel 300,000 mi

The usuall suspects are tie rod ends and whatever the joint is called at the end of the pitman arm (drag link?). If those all check out then you probably need a new steering box. Ford trucks - especially

96 and before - are known for having very loose steering. At 300K you could be looking at replacing many of these parts as all the little bits of wear in each add up to the total play you are seeing at the wheel.

Calvin

O

Yep. Called the Ford LFE - Loose Front End ;-)

The easiest way to find out where the slop is requires two people. One person gets under the truck, and one gets in the cab and moves the wheel back and forth. You just have to feel your way around from the steering shaft out and see where the play is and fix it. Not a terribly hard job to do most of the time.

Chris