1974 F100 w/ Ram Assisted Steering
Hey guys, I'm dealing with quite a few issues with the entire steering system of my truck. A leaky Ram, Leaky valve, the pump is now grinding pretty good and now when trying to work out where the huge play in the wheel is coming from I noticed the shaft is moving in and out of the steering box by about 3/16" making up a majority of that play. My eventual plan is to swap in a reworked power Bronco box but I don't have the parts nor cash for that at the moment and the truck is my daily driver getting me to and from work. My immediate plan is to get a Manual drag link and drop the Power assist parts from the rig. At least I'll be able to get to and from work for the time being while I start putting together the parts for the swap. So two questions...

1. Is the steering box shot or can I take that play in the shaft out with an adjustment?


2. Does anyone know the part number for the manual drag link that will replace the valve section of the power assist in the steering linkage?

 

OK, got the Drag link on order (MOOG # DS811). I'm still a bit worried about the steering box. Again, the play in the wheel comes mainly from the sector shaft rising and lowering in and out of the box by about 3/16" before begining to turn and therefore move the steering linkage. is this up and down play adjustable or does it need to be replaced/rebuilt?

 

Look at the illustration linked below, see the screw (3577) in the cover?
Tightening that should adjust the end play.
Loosen the lock nut (33943-S) and tighten the screw, but don't tighten "tight".
I'll see if I can get some specs on the adjustment for you.

EDIT:
The shop manual calls for removing the box from the truck for the adjustment . Personally I wouldn't go that far . I would just tighten it down until the play is gone and see how that is.
The actual adjustment spec calls for a slight preload on it.

 

C6TZ-3304-R (replaced C6TZ-3304-A & L) .. Draglink-Use with Manual Steering / Obsolete

1966/75 F100 4WD / 1975 F150 4WD
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1973/75 F100 4WD, 1975 F150 4WD use Garrison Power Assist Power Steering.

There are TWO short draglinks that thread into both sides of the power assist control valve, then are secured with clamps and thru bolts (see 3304 in upper & lower pics).

These two draglinks are F100/150 4WD only. Not the same as 1973/74 F250 4WD with Garrison P/S

Note: With power assist P/S, the manual steering gear box is used, because it has nothing to do with the power assist P/S system.

The Ford/Thompson 'pencil neck' P/S pump is the same 1967/77 Passenger Cars (except 1972/77's with Hydro-Boost) & 1967/77 F100/350. 2WD or 4WD makes no difference.

 

Thanks Mikeo0o0o0, I've seen where many have suggested to adjust that a quarter turn at a time and run it for a couple days to make sure theres no binding in regular driving. I'll give this a shot and report back. Thanks for this.

 

Thanks NumberDummy, I'm actually trying to replace either the valve (3A730) with a solid piece or the Valve (3A730) and both draglink ends (3304) with a complete Draglink. I found that Moog has the complete by the part number DS811. ( Drag Link Tie Rod | 1966-1975 Ford F-100 | MOOG ) It says it fits for my year. My fingers are certainly crossed. BTW, I grew up in the Conejo Valley and have plenty of great memories tied up there. Good times!

 

The draglink does not come with the inner and outer tie rods and connecting sleeve, because all these parts were sold individually.

I'll have to look and see if these 3 parts are different with M/S / Edit: Parts catalog does not specify with or without P/S, so these parts are the same for both.

Manual steering linkage showing: 3304 draglink, 3A130 & 3A131 tie rods, 3281 sleeve.

btw: I don't live in "Rabbit" Valley yet, but will in two weeks. I'm familiar with the story of the State of Jefferson.

 

Well today I got a lot accomplished. Replaced a window regulator, window crank handles, inside door handles, a door panel, plugs and wires and took most of the play out of the steering box. The box only took a total of 3/8 of a turn to take all of the vertical shaft movement out. I did it in 1/8 turn increments and stopped before I felt any binding . I just took out the vertical movement. It steers so much cleaner. It's no sports car but I'm happy. Thanks again Mikeo0o0o0.

 

Glad it worked out for you .