I started having a little play in the streering recently and some new noises especially when backing out of the driveway with the wheels at full turn kind of a "clunk" "clunk"

Checking it out today and found some play at the column coupler maybe a strong 1/8" back and forth, is this the often refered to "rag joint"?



Also found some cracking on the front sway bar bushing so figure I will replace all of these.



Steering stabilizer shock also showing some wear hoping I can just get the shock and don't have to buy a whole kit? Anybody know if this would have been a factory setup (F350 Ranger XLT supercab camper special)



The rubber at the connection between center link and tie rod end is broken so I am guessing that means a new center link and tie rod end as well which will also take care of the pitman arm to center link joint. As a side note there is rotation of the whole linkage but no lateral or vertical movement in any joint if the steering is turned while i watch there does not seem to be any extra movement shoul dI replace all of this anyway?

this is the link to tie rod



this is the link to pitman arm



It also looks like the power steering is leaking from somewhere but have not tried to track it down.

okay I know Assuming I replace the sway bar bushings, center link, tie rod and stabilizer shock is there anything else that makes sense to change or check?

Thanks!!

 

Yes the first pic is the rag joint. Also if its 4x4 check the track bar bushings.

 

nope 2wd, thanks for the confirmation on the rag joint.

 

Ok have you checked the radius arm bushings?

 

they look okay, a little old but no cracking or breaks and I cannot move the radius arm by hand is there any other test I should do?

Thanks

 

One way is while backing up straight tap on the brake pedal hard enough to slow the truck. If the radius arm bushings are bad enough u will either feel of hear a popping or clunking noise.

 

I will try that tomorrow.

 

If your rod ends arent showing play, just replace the bushing with poly. Usually $8 or so for a pair.

 

Hey crazy, thanks for the input, are you talking radius arm bushing?

 

Nope, Crazy is referring the tie rod boots (technically, not a bushing).

 

Yeah I meant boot. I would go poly on the radius bushing to though. Those are about $15 or so for the set.

 

Be sure to pack the rod end with bearing grease while you have it apart.

 

Thanks, that clarifies, looks like energy suspension has them I may go that route. I need to take a closer look at the condition and see if it makes sense to replace the whole component, doesn't look like it would be huge money just time.

Thanks again