My wife just drove my truck and wasn't impressed with the steering. It's a 1970 F250 2wd Crew Cab. I had all the front bushing replaced, king pins, drag link, etc. Everything that could be replaced. The shop that did it works on big trucks so they bent and aligned the beams. After this I installed a rebuilt Red Head steering box and a new rag joint. To me it drives much better than it did when I bought it. I would say there is some play in the steering but I always thought they are just built that way. I have read the steering box adjustment procedures and have to say it's involved. Is there an easier way to check and see if I actually need any adjustment?

Do these trucks with power steering return to center when turning? Mine does not.

She had a hard time at first keeping it straight. She soon got the hang of it. On smooth roads it tracks straight. When she'd change lanes or turn she just had a hard time getting the feel of it. I thought it just drove like a truck. I've pulled our camper with it several times with no promblems but I also drive it everyday. I find I get used to nuisances in my vehicles and don't realize problems.

I wanted to know if this is as good as it gets or maybe I need to visit the front end shop again. Any input you guys have is appreciated.

Edit:
Better description of my problem. When I changes lanes I have to make abrupt correction to stay straight after the lane change. I talked with the shop they suspect the rebuilt steering box is too tight and may need adjustment.

 

Yup sure does. You could do it, and when doing it you may need to reset your steering wheel back to straight. You could back the adjustment screw about a 1/4" reset the lock nut and test drive it until you feel it's good. Or pay to have a shop do it.

If you had a shop install steering box then they should have test drove it and corrected
it..So take it back to them. And yea the wheel should return back to center..
Orich

 

I installed the box myself. I just wasn't sure if a steering box adjustment was needed or something else.

 

be sure these are not contacting the center link. You'd be surprised. Just had mine at Discount Tire Center. "I had to put it back together for them!" For the life of me the concept with index is exactly the same "WTF? don't you get about this? Off my box...

 

I forgot to add hold the adjusting screw some are allen head while loosening lock nut, you may want first turn out about one 1/8 of turn and then test drive. If at any time to get play it's to loose..
orich

 

Good point. I'll give it a try this weekend.

 

If one or both kingpin bushings aren't properly honed prior to installing the kingpins, (too tight), you can get similar symptoms. At least it was in my case.

 

Geez, I would not use that shop any more!
Orich

 

ohhhhh deleted

 

Mine was squirrely until I added a steering dampener.

 

squirrely is right, that's the way my x in laws 70 f250 is.

I hate to even just test drive it with that squirrely steering.
The steering box worked loose from them turning the steering wheel while the vehicle was not moving. They had a 10.5 foot cab over camper on it for yrs.
Then one day they noticed red oil leaking. So yeah, I pull the box and he gets it rebuilt only needed a seal for $250 bucks.

I get the box installed and all the air worked out so the x father in law wanted to test drive it.

Wow you won't believe what has just now happen on the test drive about 1/2 block away. The truck comes to a skidding stop! Now he's only got reverse and backs up just past his drive way and it moves forward. He said what in the F did you mess with the tranny linkage must be F up.

I said, I didn't mess with the gear shift linkage. Double checked everything nope it's all okay.

So the x father in law called his tranny man and had it towed over to the shop and found the tranny was bad.

His tranny gone out at the same time, I replace steering box was the craziest damn thing that has ever happen to me while, I was working on a vehicle.

Orich

 

I'm going to the alignment shop in the morning. I talked with them today and they are going to help get to the bottom of it. We'll either adjust the box and fix it or they'll take care of the alignment. I'll let you all know the outcome.

 

We have to own up to this one. Dad didn't quite hone the bushings enough on one side.

 

My shop disconnected box and verified the binding I feel is in the box. King pins and all else move freely when box is disconnected but the moment you connect the box there is a dragging spot just off center turning both directions. The rough spot can be felt in the box with everything disconnected as well. I had to take it in for rotate and balance anyway. They adjusted the toe-in, it had slightly too much. They are going to adjust the box 1/8 turn and see what happens. I had to go to work so will have to test it this evening. I spoke to Red Head and they told me to do the same, start with 1/8 turn and go to 1/4 turn if I have to. Thanks Orich and everyone for the advice I'll report back later on the feel.

 

Glad you've located it.