lenr wrote:
You've got a worn suspension part for sure or a binding U joint if 4 wheel drive. Even with Ford spec of not a lot of caster it will center if everything is healthy. Son's 2012 350 6.2 started not returning at 200,000. $2000 later it works great. Take it to a reliable alignment shop that you trust to do repair. (I don't trust tire store alignment, generally.)
He has free spin hubs unless he drives around with them locked in all summer, so a binding u joint would be static and it part of the equation.
But if it was locked in, a bind would first be felt as notchy return to center and after that proliferated for a while it would get loose from wear and be clicking and clunking but not binding the steering up.
You do bring up a good point. It is possible but not probable that the auto locking feature is stuck engaged. Although I’ve never seen it happen in ALOT of HD super duty windshield time from 1999 model to 2015 model.
If everything else is smooth, straight, no funny tire wear and competent, my money is still on steering box or sticky ball joint(s). Truck is 11 years old now.
OP, easy test.
Disconnect drag link and see if bjs are binding up.
