Folks here have been a great help for a bunch of projects/problems thrown out. Thank you.

My 74 f100 has 360 2v with auto trans, 2 wheel drive and power steering. Purchased it over the past holidays, so its still new to me. This was a range work truck (Custom) that has an original 100k miles. Verified. But the steering is very sloppy. I replaced the upper column bearing and that stopped the loud squeaking whenever the wheel is turned. I then took it to an alignment shop and tolerated snickering over the double i beam axle and results of the test. Caster was 7.05 degrees on the left and 3.95 degrees on the right. I understand normal range is from .5 to 8.5 degrees. Mainly matters that both wheels are close. Yes, it does pull to the right. Guess it hit a few potholes on the ranch.

The odd aspect is that there is so much play in the steering wheel that the pulling to the right actually makes driving down the highway more comfortable. Gentle pressure to the left of the steering wheel works fine. The alignment issue causes no unusual wear to the front tires.

Is there any danger of me just letting things alone? I know a shop that will fix the caster issue by heating up the axles and bending them. No estimate yet. What would you expect this to cost? Another concern is that repair will have the steering wandering all over the road because of the wear in the other steering components, including the steering column. I have not isolated individual components that are worn, but after 40 years, I suspect all of them. Everything is original (old) on this truck. Is replacing the components something a DIYer can do themselves? Assume someone who has done relatively light repairs (no engine or trans rebuilds).

If it is something a DIYer can do can you point to any threads that may be helpful (I've looked through a bunch already)? Also, any particular supplier you'd recommend (like MOOG/ I've read the testimonials to the RedHead steering box)?

This retirement interest can be challenging....Thanks again..

 

I'll be interested in the helpful advice you get here too, as I am in the same boat with my '74 Ranger XLT with the exact same powertrain. I have to be cautious on pavement with traffic grooves. At 60mph the truck can just about do an involuntary lane change if I don't stay sharp.

I haven't taken mine to have it looked at yet but it's in the cards in the next month or so. In my early years I worked in an automotive machine shop and did some king pin pressing and refurb kind of stuff. With that experience behind me I'm balking at tackling this myself since I've no real good way of putting my truck in the air.

LMC truck does have all of the replacement parts for the steering, including a stabilizer kit. I'm guessing it's all made in Taiwan quality so I don't know how wise it would be to buy from them. I at least got an idea of what I was getting into from looking there. Links to steering components at LMC truck are below.

Truck Parts and Truck Accessories
Truck Parts and Truck Accessories

 

If I were you, I'd replace the entire steering linkage set with a new one from Moog and get a steering box from Redhead. OEM parts are now obsolete so these two are your best options. Both brands are very well reviewed, trusted, and praised. Stay away from standard repro boxes as they are pretty well all junk. Same with the linkage and tie rods. This is your steering we're talking about. Steering and brakes are life critical. Do not ever cheap out. After this, your truck will steer better than new. It'll steer like a 2014. Very direct, very precise, zero play, better feel... you get the idea. Also, due to over-sized ball bearings in the worm and ball rack assembly, the Redhead box will help you steer faster. Lastly, Redhead goes through it and puts in parts that fit a lot tighter, meaning little to no slack.

This is definitely something you can tackle yourself. I'm sure there's a how-to on here somewhere.

I've taken the liberty to go through Moog and find you the parts you'll need and their prices. Due to the collective price, US ground shipping is free.

ES413R Outer Tie Rod End

DS806 Outer Tie Rod End - Driver Side

ES362S Left Tie Rod Adjusting Sleeve

DS807 Connecting Drag Link

Your total from Moog is $171.75. That is more than a fair price. Keep up with the grease intervals and they will last you a long, long time.

Contact Redhead for a price. You're probably looking at around $350 but I'm pulling that number out of my ***. For my '69 with manual steering, it's $266. You will need to send in a steering box core or you will be charged an extra $100 core charge.

 

Thanks for the input so far. I went to the Moog website and they will list out all the parts needed (including bushings) if you provide the vehicle details.

Opinions are still welcome. I'd like to follow MikeoOoOoO"s lead and do it right the first time. Sequence of the rebuild, torque settings, number of thread turns, etc. are all experience items I don't have nor can find on the forum so far. This bending of the axles is so far over my head I get nose bleeds. I know whats on there has importance because it's worked for 40 years.