Good morning to those who read this, long time lurker here finally posting as i cannot find my answers searching the forums..

I have a 1998 3.0 4x4 ranger and needed some advice on this annoying bit of play in my steering.

When I am traveling on a bumpy road or over 70 mph i feel a slight play in the wheel from left to right (no more than an inch). It feels like the steering becomes way sensitive in this little area of play, tho it doesn't swerve or change direction if i keep it straight.

I have been trying to eliminate this problem for a while so far i have:
Replaced tie rods inner and outer
Replaced Ball joints and control arms
Replaced wheel bearings on both sides
New tires Alignment

Im going to replace the sway bar bushings and end links today but i doubt that has to do with handling in that way, or does it?

Anyone else with this problem get it fixed?

P.s. Sorry if i posted it in the wring place, I'm a noob to forum sites lol

 

Welcome to the forum

You don't "Drive" Ford Trucks, you "herd" them, Ford trucks have loose steering, I find it more relaxing, some don't.

Steering box can be tighten, there is a lock nut and adjuster in the center of lock nut on the steering box.
You should jack up front wheels so you can turn wheels lock to lock while adjusting
Have wheels in the center, but once it is jacked up turn wheel lock to lock so you know what it "feels like" now, before you start.

Loosen lock nut and turn adjuster clockwise(tighten) just a bit, 1/8-1/4 turn.
Then tighten lock nut

Try turning wheels lock to lock, engine off still, make sure it is not binding, or gets hard to turn near the locks(stops)
Or hard at the center.

Most driving is done with wheels straight so the adjuster can get worn in center, this should tighten it back up a bit.

many video how-to's out there on this, brand doesn't matter much they all work pretty much the same