touchy steering

[one badexpedish]

I have a 99 expy that has really touchy steering I mean if you were to take your eyes off the road for a second and then just move the sterring wheel a very little amount you would almost be in the ditch or the other lane of traffic. I have checked the sway bar and the links front and rear they seem fine. I do know that i need to replace the shocks all the way around . I was wondering if ford had different ratio steering boxes ? Or does anybody think that replacing the shocks will help make it more stable ? Oh it also doesn't matter what speed you are going it has touchy steering all the time. My wife and myself are somewhat used to it but my daughter just started driving and Im afraid that she will get into a wreck. Thanks any help is apreciated.

 

[tonydiv]

My old Scout II used to want to dart off in various directions, it was because there wasn't very much caster built in to the front steering.

I would take it to a reputable alignment shop and have them align it. The reason that you want a good shop, is that they will go over everything in the front end. If it measures out of spec, they may need to install a kit that allows them to make changes. Apparently the truck comes from the factory without 'eccentrics' that lets them make camber and caster changes.

 

[Canadian Expy]

I agree ^^^

 

[FordandPolaris]

My truck had a similar problem after i replaced my upper ball joints because it was out of alignment. Doing the alignment fixed it for me.

 

[350jeepcj5]

mine was doing this, i replaced lower ball joints and had it aligned...MUCH better now!

 

[Sean Smith]

I would check the following:

Upper and lower ball joints
Steering componet bushings (Idler Arm, Pitman Arm, Tie Rods)

If you do not have Air Suspension you have Variable Assist Power Steering (EVO). The system regulates the amount of power steering fluid that can be sent to the steering box based on the vehicle speed.
It has two main components that are on fuses 20 & 21.
1. Electronic Variable Orifice (EVO) Actuator that is attached to the Power steering pump.
2. Electronic Module that is under the windsheild in the dash above right of the steering wheel.

If this system is malfunctioning this could cause your problem.

Let us know what it ends up being.