Yet Another XOC Question: Can steering be improved?

[XOC]

I know it's not a race car, and I do not expect it to feel or drive or respond like one, but the steering on my truck is so loosy-goosy that I am constantly correcting and countercorrecting when I am driving at highway speeds. Are there any inexpensive mods I can do to make the steering more precise, take out most of the "slop", and tone down the power assist just a little bit?

While I'm at it -- anything I can do to make the 1-ton suspension a little less skull-jarring over big defects in the road surface, without weakening its capabilities for towing and hauling heavy loads?

(Man, I know I am asking for a lot, but hopefully there is no harm in wondering if it's possible.)

 

[bluebird]

you might wanna look into getting a reverse shackle kit RSK

 

[iracemine]

upgrade the balljoints in the steering links, and adjust the worm gear adjustment in the steering box. then buy a buick.

no i kid, try airbag suspension upgrads for a smother ride.

 

[stroked 350]

i replaced the shaft going from the steering box to the steering colum helped the wandering a lot .

 

[Zookie400]

check all of the steering/suspension joints in the front, but dont forget the rear axle as well. if those spring eye bushings are loose in the rear (as mine are) it will throw the truck all over, as well as make for a more "springy" ride. i also had a wandering issue when my panhard rod bushings wore out. it allowed the axle to move about 1-2 inches left to right under the truck.
also, for smoothing out that back breaking ride, i put a set of bilstein shocks on and it helped a lot!

 

[XOC]

Sweet - lots of great suggestions in here. Hmm, I wonder if anyone makes an adjustable shock heavy duty enough for 1-ton usage. Guess there's another thing I will be researching.

Thanks guys!

 

[big_rooster]

well if its a 4x4 then ya might wanna invest in a steering stabilizer

 

[ward cleaver]

bluebird
you might wanna look into getting a reverse shackle kit RSK

What r these? my f-250 rides like s#!T(real rough) with my front add-a-leafs I put on to level the truck. I've been thinkn bout taking em out to keep the rest of my teeth, but I like it level! Where can I find these?

 

[Zookie400]

http://www.offroadunlimited.com/ProductCart/PC/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=56

 

[XOC]

ORU Ford Reverse Shackle Kit for 92-97 F-350 4X4 - Off Road Unlimited

Ok sweet. Are the Rancho shocks worth the extra $ over the Bilsteins?

And also - (and ok please dont laugh to hard my ignorance) but so, the front does have a horizontal strut type of thing between the front wheels - but it looks old and not very beefy. Is this what a steering stabilizer is, and can/should I look to upgrade it with something stiffer?