2015-2016 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke Steering Parts

Steering on the 2015-2016 Ford 6.7L Powerstroke

Every 2015-2016 Super Duty uses a hydraulic power recirculating-type steering gear, with a steering damper as standard equipment. The overall ratio depends on the truck: 20.49:1 on a 4x2 F-250 or F-350, 20.41:1 on a 4x4, and 17.8:1 average on the F-450 pickup. For 2015, Ford gave the F-450 stronger steering gears and linkages along with its new rear axle and brakes, so that truck is its own case.

On a 4x4, the front axle is solid and the linkage is the conventional layout: pitman arm on the steering gear, drag link hanging from the pitman arm, and tie rods across the axle. A 4x2 truck uses Twin-I-Beam front suspension with different linkage. Inside the cab it's a manual tilt and telescoping column, with a heated leather wheel on King Ranch and Platinum. The XDP pump and gearbox here are cataloged by engine and year, 2011-2016 6.7L Powerstroke; most linkage parts are cataloged by drivetrain and lift instead.

What fails and why

There's no documented failure pattern for the 2015-2016 steering gear itself, so there's no mileage where the box is due. Treat it as a wear item and confirm it's the problem before you replace it.

The complaint on record is a shake. One 2016 F-250 owner filed an NHTSA complaint describing violent shaking after a bump at speed, the so-called death wobble, after repeated dealer visits. It's a single report, but that symptom is consistent with worn tie rod ends, a worn drag link or a worn track bar, so inspect the linkage first.

One aftermarket part is worth checking for. The Icon FSD 2.5 Centerline stabilizer kit (65050) for 2005-2021 4x4 trucks was recalled under campaign 20E090 in December 2020 because a foam ring could block the piston ports and lock the steering. If your truck has one, take care of the recall before anything else.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

On a stock-height truck, steering work means restoring what Ford built: a new pump, a new gear, fresh fluid and a good damper. Once a truck is lifted, parts are chosen by lift height, and that's how the BDS parts here are sold: a dual stabilizer kit for 0-2 inches of lift, a dual kit and a separate dual mounting kit for 2.5-9 inches, and a 5-inch drop pitman arm for lifted 4WD trucks. Either way, pick by drivetrain, model and lift height rather than by model year.

What we carry

• BDS Suspension: dual steering stabilizer kits for 0-2 inch and 2.5-9 inch lifts, a dual stabilizer mounting kit for 2.5-9 inch lifts, a single stabilizer kit with an NX2 shock for 2011-2016 4WD trucks, and a 5-inch drop pitman arm for 2005-2025 6.4L and 6.7L 4WD trucks.
• XDP: the XD739 new power steering pump with pulley and pipe, and the XD744 Stock+ new power steering gearbox, both listed for 2011-2016 6.7L Powerstroke trucks.
• Bilstein: the 24-196284 B8 5100 Series steering damper for 2008-2016 6.4L and 6.7L 4WD trucks.
• Lucas Oil: 10823 power steering fluid.
• BD Diesel: the 1032103 cam adjuster kit, listed for 2011-2022 Powerstroke trucks.

Fitment notes

Steering linkage fitment on these trucks spans 2005-2016, and later for some parts, even though body and engine parts split at 2011 and 2017. A part listed for 2005-2026 can be the right part for your 2015. Most stabilizer and pitman arm parts here are 4WD only, because a 4x2 Twin-I-Beam truck uses different linkage. The F-450's 17.8:1 gear and heavier linkage are model-specific, so F-450 owners should confirm every listing. Verify by VIN, or use the fitment checker on the product page.

Frequently asked questions

Why does a steering part for my 2015 say it fits back to 2005?

Because the steering linkage on these trucks carried over much longer than the body did. Linkage fitment spans 2005-2016, with some parts running later, even though most body and engine parts split at 2011 and 2017. Match the drivetrain and model and the wide year range isn't a red flag.

Does the F-450 pickup use the same steering gear as my F-350?

No. The F-450 runs a 17.8:1 average overall ratio, against 20.41:1 on a 4x4 F-250 or F-350, and Ford gave it stronger steering gears and linkages for 2015. Order F-450 steering parts by model, not just by year.

What causes the shake people call death wobble?

The one NHTSA complaint on file for a 2016 F-250 describes violent shaking after a bump at speed. It's anecdotal, but the symptom is consistent with worn tie rod ends, a worn drag link or a worn track bar. Inspect those before you spend money on a steering box or a bigger damper.

Do I need a steering stabilizer if my truck is stock?

Your truck already has one, because Ford made the steering damper standard on 2015-2016 Super Dutys. If you're replacing it on a stock-height 4x4, look at the Bilstein B8 5100 single damper or the BDS dual kit sold for 0-2 inches of lift.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.