The new to me 79 Bronco has a good amount of steering play when driving. First off the pinion flange is gone on the front axle, yes sheared off and no front driveshaft. The pinion is broke just inside the housing. Everything is covered in grease, oil and dirt. The previous owner got it that way and just drove it. I drove it 70miles home and started trying to fix the slop.

First off, the cross bolt on the steering rag joint was loose enough I could make it jumped teeth with the truck off and twisting of the steering wheel pretty easy. ( Scared the poop outta me when I realized how I made it home)

Second, it has a Redhead steering box. After tightening the rag joint bolt I can twist on the input of the steering box and there is no play there.

Third, I’ve jacked one side of the axle up and wiggled the wheel one at a time. Each side didn’t have any play up, down or side to side.

Fourth, track bar bushings seem ok, but I’m going to replace them just for peace of mind.

I’ve purchased another good Dana 44 and front driveshaft, new poly C-bushings and strut bushings. I need to to order track bar bushings and sway bar bushings.

So far, how am I doing? Have I missed anything, doing anything wrong? Advice?

 

I think you're set, you'll get to check everything up-close once you start taking things off. Take it with patience (god knows we have time...) and try to keep the alignement as best as possible. My bet is most of the play will be gone with the new bushings. Do post back if you find any obstacles on the way.

 

Thanks, I got the new one in but quickly found a seal is leaking because I’ve got oil running out of the passenger side tube. Does anyone have a list of seal and bearing part numbers for a complete overhaul?

 

Check the Front End Rebuild link in my sig, might find some useful info.