OK I realize there are a lot of threads related to steering on these 70s F series. I have searched a few of these and some of my questions were answered. Here I am asking the few that I couldn't get a definite on. After extensively looking over the front end with someone turning the wheel repeatedly I found the 3 problem areas:

1. Steering box has enough play to move the steering wheel about 3 inches before any resistance is met. Is this a normal amount of play on these older steering boxes?

2. Pitman arm is loose at the gear box itself, as the wheel is turned I can see the steering gear output shaft turn before the pitman arm starts moving. When it moves the arm at the gear box 'rocks' leading me to believe the splines may be worn. Easy to change just one problem... I don't have any idea what size that nut is to remove the pitman arm! A 1 1/4 socket is too small, a 1 1/2 is way to big. Is this thing metric or using a strange size like 1 3/8? Any ideas before I have to go buy a new entire set of sockets for this?

3. Track bar has significant play on the passenger side. There is so much play here that when the wheel is turned with the weight of the truck on the ground the frame moves before the wheels do . Just imagine a track bar with no bushing and that is mine. It seems to me that this may be worse than just a worn bushing. Can the bushing be changed or will I need a new bar? I've seen references to the mounting for a track bar being 'egg-shaped'. What does it mean if this is the case?

I am also missing the steering stabilizer and while I know it will help #2 and #3 above really need addressed first. Thanks for any assistance on this.

 

I can only comment on #1. There is an adjustment on the steering box. I don't know if it will correct 3" of play though.

 

The adjustment on the box is for new boxes, tightening it down will only cause more wear inside but 3in of play is so so, the pitman arm nut should be 1 5/16 if I remember right, there should be no play there!!! the splines are tapered so try tightening it up. I use a 1/2 drive air gun and whack in down tight.

 

No that nut is definetely larger than a 1 1/4 inch and less than a 1 1/2 inch, I've tried both sockets. I suspect it may be just loose, I want to get a torque wrench on it and make sure its to spec, if that's not it I still need the right socket to remove the arm.

Edit: oldMetal, I misread your post and thought it said '15/16'. Thanks I'll stop by Sears and look for a 1 5/16 socket today.

 

Give me a few minutes and I'll go check mine and post back to you.

 

Yup! 1 5/16 is what mine is and I'm pretty sure that's standard

 

Some more thoughts; 3in of play in your steering wheel equates to about 1/4 in in the box and with the pitman arm loose this is where the play could be coming from and not the box! While your at it have a helper turn the wheel back and fourth and check all the ball joints. If you have power steering and no major leaks your box should be ok.

 

oldMetal - thanks for verifying that size for me. I'll pick one up and see what I can do with the pitman arm.

 

Anyone have any answer for me on #3 of my post? Thanks!