Rack & Pinion Play in Steering

[Broncoholic]

Everything seems fine with no leaks. However upon sharp radius turns, the tires seem "squirrelly" if that makes sense. It's almost as if they're binding like in four wheel drive. Could that be due to a miss alignment?

Sure. Did you get an alignment after the work?

Also, are you certain tie rods were installed correctly? I ask specifically because I've seen posts where someone installed the end from the wrong side.

 

[whtbronco]

You can check the toe with a tape measure to know if you're way out of whack. You might need a helper to hold the tape though. Just pick a spot that is the same in the tread on both tires. The front should measure about 1/16" less than the rear to be close. You likely should still get an alignment or do some research and learn to do an alignment yourself at home.

 

[Underdog66]

Sure. Did you get an alignment after the work?

Also, are you certain tie rods were installed correctly? I ask specifically because I've seen posts where someone installed the end from the wrong side.

I have not gotten an alignment, but plan to do so. Last year after I had replaced several suspension components I did have an alignment. The shop said they couldn't get the camber correct on one side and needed to install a camber kit. I did not have them do that, as I wanted to research it, but am still confused about it. LOL. The previous owner hit a deer on the side that needs the camber kit, so I wonder if the impact bent something?

As for the tie rods, they did come installed in the reman rack from Detroit Axle, so I assume they'd be correct? Also when I removed the tie rod ends from the old rack, I counted the turns to install in approximately the same spot. HOWEVER one side was 22 turns and the other was 27 turns.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Broncoholic]

The previous owner hit a deer on the side that needs the camber kit, so I wonder if the impact bent something?

Entirely possible. Consult an alignment shop.

As for the tie rods, they did come installed in the reman rack from Detroit Axle, so I assume they'd be correct?

Agree, I would assume correct orientation at the rack, but what about the other end? Are you confident that end is right?

I counted the turns to install in approximately the same spot. HOWEVER one side was 22 turns and the other was 27 turns.

Variation side to side is not uncommon. More importantly, installing new parts with the same # of turns doesn't mean your alignment is good, BECAUSE variation in parts is not uncommon. Again, consult an alignment shop.

 

[Underdog66]

My mechanic neighbor and I were able to conduct an alignment following YouTube videos. YEAH! We got it pretty close and it drives and rides MUCH better. We also topped off the front diff, which was 3/4 of a quart low. My neighbor thought that the 'squirreliness' was coming from the front diff binding. I didn't agree since I understood the front diff was 'free wheeling' when in 2 wheel drive. That thought lead me to another one, could the truck be 'stuck' in 4 wheel drive? How would I determine that?
Thanks again for you help guys!

 

[whtbronco]

Sure it could be stuck in 4WD. Quite a few reports of that in the last several months.

There's a good bit of troubleshooting depending on the issue. The easiest thing to check is to start the truck and then reach under and try to turn the front driveshaft. The most likely culprit if it won't turn more or less freely is the IWE's have failed, the IWE vacuum solenoid has failed or you have a vacuum leak.