79 4x4 steering
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2012
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79 4x4 steering
How do I tell if the steering gear box is bad or if it's the steering shaft? I have a good amount of "play" in steering wheel and just trying to see if I can test one or the other. Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Sweet home Alabama
Look down at the box you see the nipple with the nut....Loosen the nut and turn screw in a 1/4 turn then drive if it starts to bind back off slightly,If there is very little of that nipple showing its done.....That screw tightens the shaft end play, But only do it when you have time to adjust correctly its not something that you can rush.
Also make sure the box is tight to the frame and theres no cracks in the frame, Also the track bar might have worn out bushings or the upper bolt hole has oval out have someone just wiggle the steering wheel to confirm where its actually loose.
Also make sure the box is tight to the frame and theres no cracks in the frame, Also the track bar might have worn out bushings or the upper bolt hole has oval out have someone just wiggle the steering wheel to confirm where its actually loose.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
Sources for awesomely rebuilt units include Benchwork Steering in AZ or Redhead Steering in WA.
To check the intermediate shaft, remove one side or the other (better at the rag joint) and check the U-joint for play or looseness. You'll intuitively know if it is bad.
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Freshman User
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Checked my power steering fluid yesterday while truck was running because there was a "whine" when I turned the wheel. When I opened the resevoir I could barely see any fluid but when I shut it off to add fluid it was back at the top. Is this normal? Thanks
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
The steering input shaft and the pitman arm should move in unison. If the input shaft is turned but the pitman lags, then you either have to adjust the steering box as described above or get a rebuilt unit.
Sources for awesomely rebuilt units include Benchwork Steering in AZ or Redhead Steering in WA.
To check the intermediate shaft, remove one side or the other (better at the rag joint) and check the U-joint
for play or looseness. You'll intuitively know if it is bad.
Sources for awesomely rebuilt units include Benchwork Steering in AZ or Redhead Steering in WA.
To check the intermediate shaft, remove one side or the other (better at the rag joint) and check the U-joint
for play or looseness. You'll intuitively know if it is bad.1979 F150 4WD: There are TWO different types.
D8TZ-3B676-B .. Lower Steering Shaft & Coupler Assy / Obsolete
Applications: 1978/79 F150 4WD Super Cab / 1978/79 F250 4WD / 1979 F350 4WD.
No Ford Dealer or obsolete parts vendor has any.
-----------------------------------------------
D9TZ-3B676-A (replaced D8TZ-3B676-C) .. Lower Steering Shaft & Coupler Assy / Obsolete
Applications: 1978/79: F150 4WD Regular Cab & Bronco.
GREEN SALES CO. in Cincinnati OH has TWO = 800-543-4959. Be prepared for sticker shock, the last MSRP was over $200.00.
Borgeson offers similar shafts, but they are universal 'fits-alls.'
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,189
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From: SE Georgia
I got a borgeson shaft..it made my steerin better. But also replaced gear box amd track bar bushings but it still a little wack. I came to the conclusion my steering shaft in my truck to outside the firewall is gone. Im also runnin 38s though
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
Originally Posted by NumberDummy
There is no u-joint
in any 4WD lower steering shaft & coupler after 1975 / 1976/79 lower steering shaft and couplers are a one piece assembly, no individual parts were available
.
in any 4WD lower steering shaft & coupler after 1975 / 1976/79 lower steering shaft and couplers are a one piece assembly, no individual parts were available. The coupler has a U-joint integral to the assembly.
Get off the semantics old man. Your responses are rude. I would take my business elsewhere if you were the guy behind the counter.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,189
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From: SE Georgia
Ok guys, let not get to carried away about a part.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
Shafts prior to 1976 have a u-joint, looks just like the type used on driveshafts.
Not everyone knows this, so when you typed what you did, all it did was confuse the issue.
After one has waited on IDIOTS at parts counters for 35 years, one can lose their tolerance for stupidty.
I listed far more info than you did, included the part numbers. You have no parts catalogs, zero Ford part experience.
So, if you don't like what I type, STICK IT, because I'm not changing just because you're an IDIOT without a friggen clue!