I had my temperature control valve go bad and I lost all my coolant 20 miles from home so I had to tow it home (by chain). I had no trouble steering although the motor wasn't running, but the switch was on for signals, etc.. When I got the new valve put on yesterday and coolant replaced I took it out for a test run and noticed the steering seemed like it had some play in it and would seem jerky when you would make a turn for corners and also on rough ground. I checked the fluid level and it was down a little bit but not that bad so added some but made no difference. Prior to this I had no problems with the steering so was wondering if it is possible to get a air lock of some sort that would cause this condition?

 

Towing by chain....means steering without motor running.
Fords seemingly always aerate the fluid when you do that. Sometimes pumps fluid out of the cap.
Fill and let it set overnight.

That's one.

Second, anti-freeze on the belt can make it slip. Causes jerking in PS sometimes. Hose the inner belt off with water, crank to get the belt moved,do it again.

Best to remove belt and scrub it (and inspect it!).

Two quick checks before you spend a lot of effort.

Any belt squealing when you start or turn the wheel full lock with engine running?