Wandering EXcursion.......what gives?

[bamaboy473]

Posting in the Excursion forum got no replies, so here's the question to the general group:

My bone stock 2001 Ex 7.3L 2WD with 160K miles has developed a low-speed wander that came on pretty quick and...and is a definite change from what used to be.

Tires are excellent, recent alignment, new Bilsteins front/rear. New ball joints, too, so suspension is tight.

What's the next step to find and cure this wandering? Driving 30-45 shouldn't have to be a constant alert type of driving....but driving 55 seems pretty normal. Any ideas of what to check first?

[Schnot]

Tie rods and drag links. If those are tight then its probably the steering gear box.

[bamaboy473]

Originally Posted by Schnot

Tie rods and drag links. If those are tight then its probably the steering gear box.

dang...sounds expensive for a gear box.

I'll take it in to have the front end checked again, but if it's the box, is a used one worthwhile, or do they all die at a certain mile count?

Is there a rebuild site for them?

[Zaairman]

Is the play in the steering wheel or does it feel like its in the front end? You can tighten the steering box some on your own.