Three problems related to steering knuckle spindle have been reported for the 2003 Ford F-250. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
When traveling at highway speeds and you hit a pothole or bump in the road the front end of the vehicle shimmies to point of being uncontrollable. Once you slow down the problem goes away. This has occured on at least 3 different occasions. Once at approximate mileage 16,100, 20,600 and 21,009. The speed was at highway speed 60-65 mph.
2003 f250, upon hitting a pot hole in the highway the truck began to shake violently and uncontrollably, resulting in a quick braking and exit of highway. Once at low speeds problem did not persist, only happened after impact with pot hole.
I have a 2003 Ford F-250. It has severe handling problems. When you pull a trailer with it, the truck drives like the trailer is trying to steer it. If you pass another vehicle, it is almost uncontrollable. The back end starts to sway from side to side, which in turn causes the trailer to whip back and forth. Also during panic stop situations, the truck darts left and right and feels like it is out of control. I have talked to numerous Ford dealers. One told me to change the tires and/or tire pressure. I tried from 35 psi to 75 psi in 5 psi changes, it didn't fix the problem. I bought another type of tires. They helped a small amount. Ford has replaced most of the front steering components. This helped for about 2000 miles. The local Ford dealer has stated "your truck has handling problems, but there is nothing wrong with your truck". They will not find the problem or replace the parts I feel will fix it. I think the spring packs and suspension bushings are too soft. I know of another Ford that had similar problems and Ford bought the truck back from the consumer after admitting it had problems they could not fix. My wife refuses to ride in the truck when pulling a trailer or at highway speeds.