94 Ranger Steeting Problem

[Ballistik]

I have a 94 XLT 4x4 and I am new to the 4x4 thing. The problem is when I turn the wheel to either side the gear box seems to hang up and get tought like the belt is slipping or the fluid is low, which the belt it tight and the fluid is fine. Also when making a turn in either direction and then going straight there is a pull to the side I just turned to ( if I turn left the truck will pull left and if I turn right it pulls right ). All I have to do is just jerk the wheel to the opposite die just a tad the the truck tracks straight with no problems. I almost feels like its out of adjustment but I have no clue of how to adjust or if that is even the problem.
Has anyone had this issue?
Thanks for your time and help, I very much appreciate it.

Geoff.

 

[metalmacguyver]

It sounds like the ball joints and tie rod ends (TREs) are sticking. When was the last time that they were greased?

It may very well be something else too. Steering box possibly...

 

[Ballistik]

I just bought the truck so I dont know when the last time they where greased. It has 84 thousand miles so maybe the tie rods and ball joints, but this is really a tight clean truck and there is very minimal play in the steering. But I am open to any and all sugestions and I will take a look at tehm to night.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[metalmacguyver]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[94 splash]

I had the same exact problem... it was the center link or..also called the Right inner tie rod is the one like rite on the out side facing twords the front of the car ... and 40$ later and same heat and a prybar .. i was all set and didnt have any more problems since......

 

[Ballistik]

Thanks I will take a look. How did you determine it was bad ? Or was it a process of elimination.

 

[gotmudd]

if you jack the front of your truck up until the tires just clear the ground, say a 1/4 inch. start on oneside or the other and grab your tire front and back and wiggle it back and forth, like you are trying to manually turn the steering assembly, and watch your joints. which ever one is bad should show up as not being smooth by popping up or it will try to flex front to back depending where the wear on the joint is.

 

[94 splash]

yea i was able to to take that tierod with too hands and twist it front to back

 

[Ballistik]

OK thanks guys I will try that this weekend when I am doing the brakes.

 

[4x4junkie]

yea i was able to to take that tierod with too hands and twist it front to back

Twisting it by hand is normal. You're looking for any lateral or up/down movement (slop) in the TREs.