Just picked up a 1984 Ford F350 utility truck. Looks like a prior owner swapped out the front end with parts unknown, and there is some play and wandering going down the road. If I'm using the wrong word I mean the steering column and related parts.

Being this is a 2WD are there more options for reverting back to the factory front end?

 

Definitely the 1980-86 F250 & F350 front ends will work (I am assuming you are talking about the 8 lug set up, not 10 lug dually set up). Probably axles from the 8th generation (1987-91) will also work, and I suspect 9th generation trucks as well (1992-96). Gen 7, 8 and 9 are all the same basic platform, and many parts are interchangeable. What makes you think yours is not original? What parts exactly are worn and need replaced?

 

Mine is a dually.


Here's the part that has some play in it.


And here's why I think the steering column is not factory. Note the gear indicator on the column, and the gear indicator in the dash. Either the column or dash isn't original and my money is on the column. With the wheels straight the steering wheel is upside down. Same amount of turns to hard stop righit and hard stop left, so the pinion seems lined up ok.

 

Left upper: 1980/89 Ford Light Truck Parts Catalog.

Right: 1973/79 Ford Passenger Car/Bronco Parts Catalog: 1978/79 Bronco column similar to 1973/79 F100/350 (note shift indicator cover: 7A004 & dial: 7A110). But...

Only 1973/79 4WD's have a 3B676 steering shaft and coupler.

Press the turn signal handle forward, see if the steering wheel tilts.