Three problems related to steering gear box have been reported for the 2001 Ford F-350. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving about 35-45 mph on 1/23/2005, my 2001 F-350 Ford crew cab, 7. 3 turbo diesel, 4-wheel drive dually pickup truck came to a sudden stop in the road with a loud explosion. I was able to return home as I was only about 1-1 1/5 miles from my house. While peering under the truck, I noticed a large gaping hole in the gear box on the front axle. It appeared that the explosion occurred inside the gear box housing, blowing a large hole in the metal casing. I contacted ricart Ford where I purchased the truck and they arranged to have the truck towed. When I inquired about this being a Ford problem, I was told that the vehicle was out of warranty and I would be responsible for the entire cost of the repair. The final cost for the repairs was $3478. 21 and the cost for a car rental for this period of time was $426. 99. Guidelines per jeff penrod, Ford rep: 1. Is there an extended warranty from Ford? current or expired? even if it was expired, Ford might help pay for the repairs. 2. Does the car owner go to a Ford dealer for maintenance and repairs? 3. Is the owner related to a political member or family of power/influence? if so, Ford would probably help. Since I did not fit any of the above categories, I was told that Ford would not help with the repairs. When I asked jeff if there was someone above him I could contact, he informed me that all the decisions come down to him that's why they pay him. Even if it goes to the president, it will come back to him. I asked for jeff's phone number and I was told that he does not have a phone and that I could contact him through the dealer. When I asked the technicians how this could have happened, they had no idea. My belief is that there was a latent defect. How else could this have happened? this truck was made to tow and haul heavy equipment and supplies, of which I did neither.
While traveling down road, driver entered into curve and had no steering, therefore leaving the road and hitting a tree. After inspection was completed it was determined that there was a complete break in steering shaft, thus causing the accident.
Consumer stated while traveling 20 mph and without any indication vehicle lost all steering power, resulting in a crash. Problem due to defective steering gear box.