Hi, my 79 stepsides steering seems way too tight. Has anyone ever had this problem and if so can I fix it or do I need to replace it? The truck is a 79 f150 4x4 stepside 351w c6 tranns. All the steering is new except the gear box.

 

If you had the work done at a front end shop I'd simply take it back and tell them to reset the components until they feel normal. if it feels way too tight then you're probably going to experience premature wear because of misadjustment. fd

 

I did all the work myself. The previose owner put the gearbox on and it has always been to tight. I have had an alliament

 

If you look in a repair manual there are service specifications for the torque it takes to turn the box. You may have to remove the box to make the adjustments properly. If your steering box IS to tight it can be dangerous.

 

When I said my steering was too tight,It isnt hard to turn but when driving you turn a little and the truck wants to change lanes. I beleive the previose owner. tighten the adjustment too much. I was wondering if anyone else had the same problem,and can I just loosen the adjustment srew. I was told that it would not be right if I backed the adjuster off

 

You could be experiencing "Ford Wander" which is caused by roll steer. Sway bars usually help that kind of thing.

 

I have the same problem with my truck wandering and poor handling at freeway speads. Help before I get pulled over.

 

"Red Head Steering Gears"
1976-1979 FORD F-150 4x4 and 1978-1979 Bronco Steering Gear | RedHeadSteeringGears.com

Also, some caster added will help a little, do that with polyurethane C-bushings of 4 degrees or so. Better yet, get whole 14 piece kit for front. The set will tighten it up and kill a lot of wander.