94 Ford Ranger brakes/steering issue

[idriveafordranger94]

I have a problem with my truck. When I was exiting the expressway, I applied the brakes to slow down, and my truck swerved to the left very hard and I smelled my brakes burning. A few minutes later, I noticed that my steering was very limp and there was a HUGE amount of play in the steering wheel. I also noticed the smell of burning rubber. Every time I would apply the brakes, my truck would swerve to the left. I am not sure if it is a brake and/or steering issue. Thanks for your help.

Additional Details
I jacked up the truck and it is sitting on jackstands. All wheels and tires are off. I don't see any wetness around the brake lines. Both calipers and both drums can be turned with my hand. No steering compnents are broken/damaged. I cannot figure out what is wrong. I do remember hitting some big potholes before I noticed the smells and the pulling. Could it just be way out of alignment? My other thought was maybe the steering box gears are stripped or worn out. Thanks

 

[TRX501RYAN]

did you cheack tie rods and ball joints, sounds like thats a possibility as well?

 

[idriveafordranger94]

Yes, I checked everything. Ball joints, wheel bearings, tie rods, pitman arm, shocks, struts. I cannot figure this out.

 

[nitrofan1]

If you have put it back together have you test drove it yet? If it's still pulling to the left it may be a proportioning valve or "distribution" valve as some call it. Another issue may be the caliper or brake hose.

Steering & brakes are nothing to chance. Most shops do free inspections for both. Take it ASAP and have it looked at.

A customer came into my store just last week with a similar issue and found out the tie rod adjusting sleeve had stripped threads causing the pull under braking.

Hope this helps!