The other day when driving around in the back country I noticed that the power steering was only working when turning right and not when turning left. On my way back to my house the steering wheel pinned full right and would only move back if the engine was off, in order to get back I removed the power steering belt. It turned both ways, but not without considerable effort and some banging noises. I went under and nothing appeared to be damaged. I don't know What's going on, any help would be appreciated.

 

Since P/S wasn't available for 4WD's until 1973, what type of P/S do you have?

 

Not sure, it was done by my grandpa before I got it, based on the steering column,
Probably 73-77

 

Proper information is very important. F-100 or 250? Ranger is just a trim level, not a type of truck until 1982.

 

I know, f-100

 

Tell us where the steering box is mounted.... up by the radiator core support? Any hoses connected from the PS pump directly to the steering box?

Does the truck have a hydraulic cylinder or "ram" connecting the frame to the steering linkage?

 

The steering box is located slightly in front of the motor mount, on the frame rail.

There is a hose going from the back of the p/s pump into the steering box

There is a hydrolic cylinder

 

Steering box look like this?

 

If the system includes a hydraulic cylinder and a control valve, it's Power Assist P/S optional on 1973/77 F250 4WD's.

With Power Assist, the manual steering box is used, because it has nothing to do with P/S

Pic: F250 4WD Power Assist P/S .. Control valve (2 different types), shown as 3A730, hydraulic cylinder shown as 3A540.

 

Yeah, we're still attempting to verify whether it is an F100 with a PS retrofit by gramps or a 4WD F250.... even though the OP claims it is an F100.

 

Yes it is a F-100 that was retrofitted with ps from a later truck, the steering box looks just like that one above

 

Now that we have the ps id'ed, did you pull the dipstick and check fluid level? Is the fluid bright pink, or is it brown and smells burnt? Or is it totally drained of fluid? No hoses leaking? Then it seems it could be a mechanical problem with the ps box. Put the front end on jack stands, start the engine after replacing the belt, and turn it from side to side to try to replicate the problem. If it is mechanical, get a new remanufactured box from Red Head Steering as these are the best out there.

 

Alright thanks, the fluid was full but it wasn't pink. Even on jack stands it won't turn though

 

That power assist is a crappy system and some of the parts will be very expensive, if you can even find them. I think it would be a good time to get an integral box from an F150 and get rid of that system. I think from 1976 through 1979 F150 box would do the trick.

 

Um, he already has an integral PS box from an F-100/150/Bronco.