Two problems related to steering gear box shaft pitman have been reported for the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While making a left turn at a traffic light steering wheel locked up, causing driver to lose control. The driver managed to stop the vehicle and had it towed to the dealer. It was determined that the pitman arm broke at the steering linkage. Consumer .
While driving at highway speeds, making a turn on a smooth curve, vehicle just straightened out unexpectedly. Pitman arm and control arm were relaced at owner's expense.