Steering Wheel Gap
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Loretto, TN
Steering Wheel Gap
I recently pulled the wheel off of my 64 (262), due to the massive gap between the wheel and the column, and to replace the turn signal cam (which was a pain to locate the correct one, SM-13). Anyway, after replacing the cam, when putting the wheel back on, it will NOT close the gap. There is at least 3/4" space between the wheel and the collar. I've tightened as much as I can. This issue of course negates the entire effort of finding the correct cam signal, and of course the horn doesn't work either. Any suggestions?
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,060
Likes: 7
From: Glendale Arizona
Loosen the column at the dash.
Set the gap to 1/16th inch
Tighten column at the dash.
If your cab mounts and pucks are shot it is useless to do this procedure until you physically fix the damaged components.
The 61 to 64 and later 4x4s have no lower bearing, only a rubber slip bushing to center the column on the steering box. The box and shaft are integral. The tension is held by the spring under the wheel acting on the upper taper bushing.
Garbz
Set the gap to 1/16th inch
Tighten column at the dash.
If your cab mounts and pucks are shot it is useless to do this procedure until you physically fix the damaged components.
The 61 to 64 and later 4x4s have no lower bearing, only a rubber slip bushing to center the column on the steering box. The box and shaft are integral. The tension is held by the spring under the wheel acting on the upper taper bushing.
Garbz
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,060
Likes: 7
From: Glendale Arizona
IIRC, that gap can be closed by loosening the two bolts on the steering column "U" that attach column tube to the dash. Column tube "U" has slotted holes for just this adjustment. You may also need to loosen column clamp at firewall (engine side) as well.
This adjustment will not move steering wheel one way or the other, only the outside column tube will move up to close the gap.
Once that is adjusted, you will still need to adjust the column tube lower bearing retainer, dash boot, and re-tighten column clamp under the hood. I think the shift rod(s) will survive and not need adjustment.
Be careful, since you have a 3/4" gap, horn spring or something else inside T/S may get damaged doing this adjustment. You might want to remove steering wheel and work that way first.
All these comments are based on an assumption that it is not a 4x4, has the correct length steering shaft to begin with, and so on.
This adjustment will not move steering wheel one way or the other, only the outside column tube will move up to close the gap.
Once that is adjusted, you will still need to adjust the column tube lower bearing retainer, dash boot, and re-tighten column clamp under the hood. I think the shift rod(s) will survive and not need adjustment.
Be careful, since you have a 3/4" gap, horn spring or something else inside T/S may get damaged doing this adjustment. You might want to remove steering wheel and work that way first.
All these comments are based on an assumption that it is not a 4x4, has the correct length steering shaft to begin with, and so on.
For 1965 when revising the trucks for twin i beam the columns were changed to a dual bearing type with a lower and upper adjustment on 2 wheel drive only. in 66 the F100 four wheel drive also received this upgrade with the addition of the coil spring front axle.
The main reason for the gap is bad cab mounts. As the mounts sag from cancer or the rubber pucks disappear the gap gets bigger on the early units as the steering box is attached tot he frame and the column is attached to the cab. On the later cabs the same happens as the bearings and rag joint are destroyed from the lateral loads.
Garbz
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
Loosen the column at the dash.
Set the gap to 1/16th inch
Tighten column at the dash.
If your cab mounts and pucks are shot it is useless to do this procedure until you physically fix the damaged components.
The 61 to 64 and later
4x4s have no lower bearing, only a rubber slip bushing to center the column on the steering box.
Set the gap to 1/16th inch
Tighten column at the dash.
If your cab mounts and pucks are shot it is useless to do this procedure until you physically fix the damaged components.
The 61 to 64 and later
4x4s have no lower bearing, only a rubber slip bushing to center the column on the steering box.1966 F100 4WD-Lower / 1967/79 F250 4WD-Lower / Misc 1963/97 Passenger Cars and etc.
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