One problem related to steering rack and pinion has been reported for the 1997 Ford F-350. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving down a dirt road, the steering column on my F-350 bound up making it nearly impossible for me to turn the steering wheel to make a upcoming corner. By reefing on the steering wheel I was able to turn the vehicle to make the corner. When I reefed on the steering wheel, the steering column made a loud pop then started turning. The steering started working again after that but now the steering wheel/column is very wobbly. I've contacted the local Ford dealer and informned him of the problem.