F 350 4WD Pickup V8-351 5.8L VIN H EFI (1997)
Center Link: Service and Repair
Replace the steering sector shaft arm drag link if the ball stud is loose in the steering control ball stud socket or the steering sector shaft arm drag link is
bent. Replace the front suspension steering ball stud dust seal if any nicks, cuts or tears are present. Do not attempt to straighten a steering sector shaft
arm drag link.
REMOVAL
1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist with the wheels in the straight-ahead position.
2. Remove the cotter pins and nuts from the ball stud at the steering gear sector shaft arm and steering tie rod. Remove the ball studs from the linkage
using Tie Rod End Remover TOOL-3290-D or equivalent.
3. Loosen the bolts on the tie rod adjusting sleeve clamp if so equipped. Count the number of turns it takes to remove the steering sector shaft arm
drag link from the front wheel spindle tie rod adjusting sleeve.
INSTALLATION
1. Install the steering sector shaft arm drag link the same number of turns it took to remove it from the front wheel spindle tie rod adjusting sleeve.
Note the position of the tie rod adjusting sleeve clamp. Tighten the adjuster nuts to 40-57 Nm (30-42 ft. lbs.).
2. Install nuts and tighten to 70-100 Nm (51-73 ft. lbs.).
NOTE: Make sure the ball studs are seated in the taper to prevent rotation while tightening.
3. Install new cotter pins.
4. Check toe.
5. Check clear vision.