better steering boxes?

[bmxryder]

alright so there is slop in my steering box and since ive put 35's on im considering buying a new steering box. when i make a sharp corner and let go of the wheel it doesnt return back to center since my tires are so heavy. and my steering wheel gets thrown around pretty easy in the desert. im about to put a steering stabilizer on to help that but then its not going to want to return to center at all. is there any after market steering boxes that would work better than just an new OEM one?

 

[AKBroncoII]

Sounds like a caster problem to me. Not a steering box problem.

 

[CopyKat]

Sounds like a caster problem to me. Not a steering box problem.

+2

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

+3

ford used the same steering box on everything from the rangers to the f-350's. if the box is good enough for a 1-ton pickup, its good enough for your 3,300lb ranger and 35's

 

[bmxryder]

no its the tires because i had to put the stockers back on for a minute (long story) and the steering wheel returned just fine. i understand the whole caster thing it sounds like the hub is rolled back. i dont think thats the problem because its been aligned twice and theyve shown me the paperwork on the adjustments.

i think my steering box is just weak now or something. it slops right where pitman arm attaches so im thinking maybe its just not turning smoothly.

 

[4x4junkie]

The steering box has no bearing on return to center, you don't have enough caster angle.

Ideally you want to be around 4-5° on the caster.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

What Junkie said.

My big heavy bias ply 36" TSL SX's return to center just fine.

Oh and the steering damper will just mask the problem not fix it. Sounds like you've got the wrong angles happening with your tie rods, and a caster problem that is causing unstable steering.

 

[Mutant Pony]

That box was used on F-450's!
The factory steering system on Rangers is really vague. When lifted it is really bad, broken thumbs bad. It can be fixed though.