Excessive steering play
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New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: So. Ohio
Excessive steering play
I have an '84 F-150 4X4 that has alot of play in the steering. All of the linkages seem to be in good shape. I tried adjusting the gear box, but it didn't change things much. Should I rebuild or replace the gear box? Also, is there a difference between steering boxes on 2 and 4 wheel drive models? THANX
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Excessive steering play
Advance Auto has the gearbox for your truck for $150. I just did the one on mine, and it is much better than stock. The only complaint I have with it is that the boost on the power steering isn't as strong, maybe just because it is a new, tight box and not an old worn out one.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 673
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Excessive steering play
Inspect the entire front suspension for wear, tie rods, ball joints, wheel bearings, pitman arm, radius arm bushings, frame connections (for cracks too!) etc. If you don't find a problem, have someone do the wiggle test on the steering wheel while you inspect the u-joint/slip joint on the steering input shaft for looseness. If you still dont see it look at the motion of the pitman arm as it relates to the input on the steering box, you may find that the box (worm/sector gear) is the problem. Is the box leaking?
If the box is bad, I would replace it as Ford_Six recomends. I did mine laying on the street and it took about an hour. From what I understand, the rebuilt box will contain updated hardware inside (fixes), so you should end up with a better than new box. Not to mention a warranty. BTW Advance uses the exact same rebuilder that Napa uses, so don't be fooled by the higher price....
Good Luck!
If the box is bad, I would replace it as Ford_Six recomends. I did mine laying on the street and it took about an hour. From what I understand, the rebuilt box will contain updated hardware inside (fixes), so you should end up with a better than new box. Not to mention a warranty. BTW Advance uses the exact same rebuilder that Napa uses, so don't be fooled by the higher price....
Good Luck!
