Grit dog
Black Diamond, WA
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Joined: 05/06/2013
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^That too.
Leaf springs/bushings
Sway bar end links.
All 7.3s are leafs I think.
Anything that hasn’t been replaced at least once on a 400k mile solid axle 4x4 is wore out or at very least not great.
But so is the rest of the vehicle by then, so it’s flip a coin whether to pile money into it or a newer rig.
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold
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Grit dog
Black Diamond, WA
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Caster, sticky new bjs (lol) or bad steering box are your 3 most likely causes. And not likely the first one.
Since you actually told us the symptom finally.
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C Schomer
Pueblo West, Co.
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Joined: 12/26/2000
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I’m also a fix-it guy and I’ve been through all those problems but I’d be for dumping a 400k mile money pit. I haven’t had a gasser for so long, IDK which one has the least of all the later-vehicle evils. One of the 1/2t crew cabs. At least the 8 and 10 spd transmissions are a bunch better, now. Craig
FWIW, I’ve read about new boutique steering boxes that were still sloppy. Someone who knows how to adjust it might be able to fix the wandering problem. My 12 Dodge also had those steering problems and after I replaced everything that was loose, I adjusted the box and completely stopped the wandering. I also had the alignment shop max out the caster.
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ScottG
Bothell Wa.
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Joined: 02/25/2005
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Your steering gear is worn out. I suggest replacing it with a Redhead brand rebuilt unit. BTW, don't let anyone tell you they can just adjust it. That wont do it.
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jukes
Aptos
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Joined: 10/06/2008
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ScottG wrote:Your steering gear is worn out. I suggest replacing it with a Redhead brand rebuilt unit. BTW, don't let anyone tell you they can just adjust it. That wont do it.
Hi he already put a Readhead steering box in...
He just did some more work to it yesterday I will find out what that was, but it hasn't helped.. He's $8000 in now and running out of ideas as to what else the issue could be....
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Grit dog
Black Diamond, WA
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You went from $5k to $8k in repairs now, in a week? (Tires don’t count)
Thought you were contemplating a new truck vs dumping more $ into the old one?
$8k would buy you everything from the frame down, including a new axle…I think you need a new mechanic. A while ago….
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GAR2
Illinois
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Joined: 11/03/2018
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Grit dog wrote:You went from $5k to $8k in repairs now, in a week? (Tires don’t count)
Thought you were contemplating a new truck vs dumping more $ into the old one?
$8k would buy you everything from the frame down, including a new axle…I think you need a new mechanic. A while ago….
^^^^ X2. To the OP, lots of problems with the aftermarket steering gears....... Blue Top brand is now the most preferred replacement, better quality than the redhead steering boxes.
I think you said your Ex was an ‘03 - does it have the 7.3 PSD? If so and you can find a reputable garage, or do it yourself......that gets my vote.
In the market to buy a T/C
2002 F350 4wd CC DRW 8’ box
Load Lifter 5000 rear air bags, front Timbrens
Rancho 9000 shocks
Brighton, Illinois
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Grit dog
Black Diamond, WA
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Unfortunately the OP is now about $10k invested in a (best possible case) $10k rig for just new front end and tires.
From a financial perspective, it was time to learn how to fix things yourself or cut bait about $10k ago.
Not knowing what else has been done to the rig (could have another recent $15k into drivetrain and couple grand in seat covers etc, or literally been living on maint and replacing only what fails completlty) it still seems the best bet is to cut bait and learn from the scenario.
Take the immediate finances out of it, this is also a vacation rig, right? What are the chances a 400k mi 20 year old rig is anywhere near as reliable as a much newer 1/4 the miles or less vehicle? Very slim unless the OP has basically rebuilt the whole truck by now.
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