Steering won't come back....

[Sworn]

Could really use some steering advice.....My 88 4X4 Ranger has some steering issues. Keep in mind it's almost 20 Years old and has a seven inch lift kit.

The truck was run with 35's and now has regular small truck tires. (I have a set of 33's on order.)

Anyway, when you turn the wheel to make a left or a right the steering won't return. You have to manually turn it back......It's not hard and still has the power assist. The power steering isn't leaking any fluid. What do you guys think? Power steering box? Tie Rods?

Thanks in advance

 

[Jspafford]

If I had one guess I am going to go with steering box.

 

[rickcdewitt]

the small tires would put it out of alignment if it was aligned with 35's,that might have something to do with it.

 

[du510]

the small tires would put it out of alignment if it was aligned with 35's,that might have something to do with it.

how is that?

 

[Sworn]

If I had one guess I am going to go with steering box.

That's kinda what I'm thinking.....

 

[kunar]

i dont think smaller tires would throw it out of alignment but if your caster was off, that could be the problem

 

[rickcdewitt]

have any of you geniuses aligned a ttb(yourself?),and or experimented with different rim and tire combo's?? when you move the centerline of the tire in or out it changes the leverage and therefore camber and caster.i'de bet money his camber and maybe caster are out of spec.those would be some very skinny 35's to sit where a 235/75 sits.the question he needs to ask is-did it work normally(as much as it can with 35's) right before changing wheels?its likely 35's could have worn out the steering box but thats not his only problem,besides he says it has power assist on the return he just has to return it himself(alignment,frozen balljoint or u-joint).

 

[MAKG]

I've done camber and toe alignments the old fashioned way (bubble level and a string). It's a big PITA and not THAT accurate. Definitely close enough to get to the alignment shop....

Things that can cause poor return:

1. Excessive toe-out (will also wander)
2. Overtightened steering box -- this is not something that happens by itself
3. Binding balljoint(s) -- are they greaseable? Have they been greased recently?
4. Binding steering linkage

These are things you can figure out with a major inspection. To find the binding, you have to disconnect stuff, unless you're lucky and you can see it.

 

[rickcdewitt]

I've done camber and toe alignments the old fashioned way (bubble level and a string). It's a big PITA and not THAT accurate. Definitely close enough to get to the alignment shop....

i was talking about on an alignment rack,not in a garage(the bodyshop has one),and yes-
1)visually check for broke parts- then fix if needed
2)throw it on a rack and see what you have.
3)use the frame puller or throw new parts on as needed
4)re-align
pretty simple process really