One problem related to steering idler arm has been reported for the 1997 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1997 Ford pickup dlerarm,pittman arm, tie rod end replacement-frozen-creaking: lower ball joints worn; we already replaced brakes,the pistons froze cause brake failure all rotors and brake pad and pistons had to be replaced. Why did this happen with only 34,152 miles on this vehicle. Is Ford using poor quality products. Something is wrong with this vehicle, we should not have to have this expense at this low mileage.