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Hi there I have 72 f250 highboy that has steering play. I called an alignment shop to ask them if an alignment would fix it and they said it wouldn't. I rocked the the steering shaft that goes to the box left and right and noticed that the shaft from the box (the one with grooves in picture) was slightly moving left and right horizontally. It is a brand new box. Maybe it needs adjustment?
In your picture, it appears there was some frame damage and some poor welding to correct it. That frame needs some boxing and a good patch. (Area between the hoses)
I'd try loosening the lock nut it's the one the other side of the steering box centered in the aluminum cover. Theirs a threaded adjusting stud that by turning it inwards will help reduce some. Note just kind of rock the steering wheel back & fourth checking to free play. It may take many turns in.
Point is if you over tighten this stud your steering wheel will not return to center after making a turn. So this you may need to do a test drive as you adjust it in when your close to the sweet spot and be happy with it there. The tie rod maybe be in need of replacing also. So check them for looseness.
And the mid steering shaft u-joint & the bell slid coupler at steering box end maybe also bad.
And 90wt. gear oil goes in the steering box.
Orich
I'd try loosening the lock nut it's the one the other side of the steering box centered in the aluminum cover. Theirs a threaded adjusting stud that by turning it inwards will help reduce some. Note just kind of rock the steering wheel back & fourth checking to free play. It may take many turns in.
Point is if you over tighten this stud your steering wheel will not return to center after making a turn. So this you may need to do a test drive as you adjust it in when your close to the sweet spot and be happy with it there. The tie rod maybe be in need of replacing also. So check them for looseness.
And the mid steering shaft u-joint & the bell slid coupler at steering box end maybe also bad.
And 90wt. gear oil goes in the steering box.
Orich
Ok so I turned that nut 1/4 at time and I almost did 1 full turn. The steering has a little bit more resistance but still has play. Should I keep on turning little by little?
You'll never know until you try it Right..
Do about an 1/8th of a turn then do a test drive turning making right & left turns and if it still returns to center so you don't have to pull the wheel to center then keep going.
Many places sell the Fords mid shaft after market mid shaft. like below.
Borgeson 000970
JEGS Part Number: 153-000970
Telescoping Steering Shaft •1970-79 Ford F-100/F-150/F-250/F-350
Includes two U-Joints.
You can also find OEM replacement parts I think at Jeff bronco's .
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