Steering Linkage Help
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,174
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From: Near Los Angeles
Steering Linkage Help
I have a 75 F250, 2x, with a 360. I'm getting to rebuild entire steering system from column to redhead box, to linkage. To test the linkage, is there any way other than watching while someone turns the wheel and checking for play?
Also, on Rockauto, I see companies like Raybestos, Mevotech, TRW, Moog, and ACDelco making the center link and tie rod ends. I know Moog and ACDelco are good, but expensive. Are these other makes any good?
Also, on Rockauto, I see companies like Raybestos, Mevotech, TRW, Moog, and ACDelco making the center link and tie rod ends. I know Moog and ACDelco are good, but expensive. Are these other makes any good?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 968
Likes: 5
From: Corbett, Oregon
I have always done the "turn the wheel and check for play" routine for linkage components, though that won't always show wheel bearing, king pin, beam bushing or radius arm bushing wear.
As for the manufactures, TRW and Raybestos are old line and typically offered a quality product. Personally, I would look for a product that is made in the good 'ol US of A.
As for the price... Reminds me of a fellow in front of me at the parts store a number of years back. He was buying brake shoes and the counterman told him they had three grades. The customer said to give him the cheapest ones, they were just going on his wife's car.
Roger Carter
As for the manufactures, TRW and Raybestos are old line and typically offered a quality product. Personally, I would look for a product that is made in the good 'ol US of A.
As for the price... Reminds me of a fellow in front of me at the parts store a number of years back. He was buying brake shoes and the counterman told him they had three grades. The customer said to give him the cheapest ones, they were just going on his wife's car.
Roger Carter
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 388
Likes: 2
From: Sandy Eggo
the way i see it, you get what you pay for. i can stop a truck without brakes, but can you steer a truck without steering? it boggles my mind, steering is by FAR the most critical safety component on a vehicle, yet often times the most neglected.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Near Los Angeles
That one got me laughing. I didn't see it coming.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,771
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From: Western Washington
Raybestos is hit or miss, some is good, some not so much. Pretty much all of it is made overseas now. Mevotech is lower end, I would use Raybestos first.
I would suggest shopping around, you can get moog at good prices online. Also check around and see if there's any independent parts warehouses where you live, (Auto Plus is one I work for) they mainly cater to shops but they'll sell to you over the counter. And the prices are usually a lot better than O'reallys CarQuashed and Napa
Sam
I would suggest shopping around, you can get moog at good prices online. Also check around and see if there's any independent parts warehouses where you live, (Auto Plus is one I work for) they mainly cater to shops but they'll sell to you over the counter. And the prices are usually a lot better than O'reallys CarQuashed and Napa
Sam
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 778
Likes: 2
From: southeast Idaho
Having someone rock the wheel back and forth is just an easy way if you have help to check for worn out pieces.. When by yourself I have found jacking one side up a few inches off the ground and using a good sturdy bar to pry up down and sideways if need be on the tie rods, drag link, pitman arm and if there is any play between the pieces they are in need of attention. Also try rocking the wheel/tire back and forth front to back then top and bottom too for checking wheel bearings along with spinning them and listening. But only one side at a time and you need one tire off the ground as they can have enough pressure between the two sides sitting still to make you think a bad end or other things are quite tight. Kinda longwinded here but yes you can do it by yourself if you are careful..
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