Community Forums

Model A Man · 09-16-2023, 10:22 AM

Our 2003 16k has a steering problem. I need an adjustable drag link bar (2003 16k#) (factory drag link is non-adjustable) I know that this is a common problem because Safe T Plus (SuperSteer) makes one, but at $468 it’s a little to dear for me. Does anybody know of a lesser priced one (Moog, etc.). Since I know many are going to ask why I think I need this let me try and explain but I would hope that at least one of you will assume that I know what I’m talking about and simply answer my question. When both front wheels are off the ground the steering wheel wants to return to the 1:00 position so that is the steering box’s “happy place”. However, when the coach is going down the road the wheel must be in the 12:00 position so that I am fighting it constantly. Since I don’t believe that there is a problem between the steering wheel and the steering box than the problem is the drag link. Thanks in advance.

Model A Man · 09-16-2023, 10:29 AM

For the record the type of steering linkage used on the 2003 F53 (side steering) is is antiquated, it was obsolete by 1955 (replaced by “cross steer” boxes). Even on my 1948 Willys, one of the first upgrades to do is to change the box and convert to cross steer.

twinboat · 09-16-2023, 10:42 AM

Pop one end off, get the steering box in its happy spot, with tires straight ahead and measure if it needs to be longer or shorter and how much.

Find a shop with a press and bend it more or straighten it a bit until it's the correct lenght.

DFord · 09-17-2023, 10:06 PM

These TSBs are for older F53 - V-10 models but are about centering the steering wheel. If your HM is pulling to the side while driving it, that sounds like an alignment issue.

Model A Man · 09-18-2023, 09:40 AM

I am trying to center the wheel.

Model A Man · 09-18-2023, 09:44 AM

FordD I appreciate the info. Our rig is a 2003 so I don’t know how much of it applies but it’s helpful anyway.

arcaguy · 09-18-2023, 03:46 PM

I had the same issue once on a Volvo. I fixed it by taking a few turns out of one outer tie rod end and putting the same number in on the other side. As long as you keep the number of turns the same it shouldn't affect your alignment. This would work on most front ends I've ever seen but I'm not familiar with a F-53

twinboat · 09-18-2023, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arcaguy

I had the same issue once on a Volvo. I fixed it by taking a few turns out of one outer tie rod end and putting the same number in on the other side. As long as you keep the number of turns the same it shouldn't affect your alignment. This would work on most front ends I've ever seen but I'm not familiar with a F-53

The F53 has one tie rod, runs from left to right spindles. The drag link connects the steering box to the left front spindle.