I think my steering box is wore out. I replaced the ball joints last summer and it drives a lot better but the steering feels loose. Is there a way good way I can check it out? If it does need replacement should I buy new or rebuilt? I'm a little leery about getting a rebuilt but maybe the cost of new will change my mind.

 

Hey Tim
There is a thread on here some where back in 2009 or so where adjustments were made. So get out of this thread and then do a search. I the mean time I will see what I have on hand.

 

You cannot buy a new replacement, you have to buy a rebuilt.

I just put a rebuilt one in my truck and I am VERY happy with it.
Cleaned up a lot of the slop I had (6 inches in the wheel)
There still is a tiny bit, but that could be a number of things.

I got mine though advanced.
Mine was on discount, but I think they are about 150 + Core.

 

Lots of people will argue that the screw on the top will adjust out the slack on the box, but while it might be a temporary solution, it is not a solution.

If you read instructions on replacement box's they will tell you to "never adjust" this screw. There are reasons for this.

 

Lots of people will argue that the screw on the top will adjust out the slack on the box, but while it might be a temporary solution, it is not a solution.

If you read instructions on replacement box's they will tell you to "never adjust" this screw. There are reasons for this.

 

Really? I have adjusted thousands of them over the years as a Ford technician with great success. You just have to know what you are doing. The directions are in the factory service manual.