Loose Steering
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Washington State
Loose Steering
How would I tighten the steering in my 1977 F-250 SuperCab? I can move the wheel about 5 degrees before the truck starts turning. When driving it's non-stop correcting because it wanders so much.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 6
From: SD
Loose Steering
Is it a 2wd or 4x4?
Are you sure it needs adjusted or is there a worn part that needs replaced? Have someone rock the steering back and forth while you look over every joint of the steering. Take note of the joint on the column above the steering box, all the tie rods and kingpins/ball joints. If there is any play or looseness, then they need replaced. Worn rubber bushings will cause looseness too - radius arm bushings, axle pivot bushings and spring bushings. Check wheel bearings for looseness too.
If all checks out okay, then you may need to adjust or replace the steering box.
Marty
Are you sure it needs adjusted or is there a worn part that needs replaced? Have someone rock the steering back and forth while you look over every joint of the steering. Take note of the joint on the column above the steering box, all the tie rods and kingpins/ball joints. If there is any play or looseness, then they need replaced. Worn rubber bushings will cause looseness too - radius arm bushings, axle pivot bushings and spring bushings. Check wheel bearings for looseness too.
If all checks out okay, then you may need to adjust or replace the steering box.
Marty
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Loose Steering
It will work even better when you get those bushings replaced. It sounds like you need to get that truck into a TRUCK front end shop. The normal car shops don't know how to fix iron vehicles, only the beer can jobs. You can also tighten that adjustment nut toooo much and the steering can bind and wear parts quickly.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Washington State
Loose Steering
Yes, I'm planning to do it myself. I was careful not to tighten the nut to much.
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