I just purchased a 1968 Ranchero 302 and need a little advice. The steering wanders as speed increases to the point of being a little dangerous up around 60 mph. When I test drove it I noticed it but the deal was good and I expect to put some money into it. I jacked it up and checked for unusual looseness in the bearings and ball joints but they are tight. Was wondering if there is a known issue with something else. I saw an old post on issues with a 1979 but I assumed the setup would be different. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Congrats on your '68. I really liked those years- but I digress.

Your steering box is probably seriously worn. That and anything else that moves in the steering system.

With the vehicle on the ground, have someone turn the wheel lock to lock and back, and observe every component. You should have some kind of rag joint or other disconnect in the steering column just above the box. That is a potential source of problems. The steering box mount itself is a suspect. And all the joints in the system.

Front end alignment will cause wandering issues as well. Certain tires will follow ridges in the road, although most new radials don't have the issues that some bias belted tires had when fitted to vehicles like this after the OEM bias tires (or maybe bias belted, depending on options) were replaced.

Good luck with it!

 

Before you replace the steering box, check the rag joint. On my '74 F350 it made a really big difference. Also the box is adjustable, you may be able to tighten it up a bit there as well.

 

Thanks for info. So far I found a lot of play in the power steering control valve. Waiting on parts before I tear into it.

 

1968 Ranchero could be a Fairlane or Torino. It has Power Assist P/S

The Pitman Arm attaches to the ball stud (it's probably worn out) of the control valve, the parts are EZ to get because:

C2AZ-3A533-A .. P/S Control Valve Ball Stud Repair Kit

1962/67 Fairlane / 1965/70 Falcon/Mustang / 1967/70 Cougar / 1968/71 Fairlane/Torino.

 

You were right. I installed the rebuilt ps control valve along with new hoses and it has taken out all slop. Thanks for the tips.