1979 Steering Adjustment
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1979 Steering Adjustment
Wanted to remove the play from the steering, as it's pretty drastic. The lock nut that was on the adjustment screw was too stuck on, I had to use a nut splitter.
Twisted the screw a quarter of a rotation, and found none of the lock nuts I purchased will fit on the screw.
What size is the nut supposed to be? The one I have that was on it has been split so I can't accurately measure it.
Is there some trick to getting the nut onto the screw?
If it comes down to it can I just put a lock washer under a regular nut if needed?
I gotta get this done asap, and I just got too frustrated trying to get the nuts I bought on.
Twisted the screw a quarter of a rotation, and found none of the lock nuts I purchased will fit on the screw.
What size is the nut supposed to be? The one I have that was on it has been split so I can't accurately measure it.
Is there some trick to getting the nut onto the screw?
If it comes down to it can I just put a lock washer under a regular nut if needed?
I gotta get this done asap, and I just got too frustrated trying to get the nuts I bought on.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Do NOT mess with that nut! It only sets the preload for the sector shaft. Over tighten it, the box could lock up. Backing the nut off when this occurs may not solve the problem.
Is the truck 2WD or 4WD? Does it have M/S or P/S?
Is the truck 2WD or 4WD? Does it have M/S or P/S?
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
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I don't think it's anything special, just a fine thread, 3/8" ? maybe. It has a nylon collar in the threads. To adjust the box (the right way) you got some work to do now. I always disconnect both the steering shaft and pitman arm. It's the only way I can get a good feel for the slightest bind, this has to be right. Tighten the adjustment screw till it locks. Now loosen the adjuster a little bit and lock it down. Turn the input shaft all the way lock to lock. Keep loosening and turning it back and fourth all the way in each direction till you find the exact spot that you feel no bind anywhere in it's full travel. Once you got it, note position of the slot and back the adjuster off 1/4 turn and lock it down. You can't just go in there, loosen it and start turning the screw, that will end in disaster. Good luck....
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Truck is 2WD with power steering. Hopefully I didn’t jack things up too much with the removal of the nut. I will follow the steps provided, and will most likely have a ridiculous amount of questions about them.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Special nut is 7/16" -20 and is shown as 371782-S in pic:
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Odometer reads in 32,000s, and the engine was swapped but I’m guessing the steering controls are the same.
And thanks for the measurements, gonna pick up a nut today. Bought 7/16-14s and was close but not close enough.
I won’t have too much of an issue with getting a new steering box if I have to, but just safely adjusting this one is the goal for now.
And thanks for the measurements, gonna pick up a nut today. Bought 7/16-14s and was close but not close enough.
I won’t have too much of an issue with getting a new steering box if I have to, but just safely adjusting this one is the goal for now.
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