I feel it's funny, bashing GM's for 'Steering clunk'

Ford steering boxes wear out faster than any other componant on their trucks. (cept tailgates) I've replaced to dang many in my life. And did the rag joint ever find it's way out of production?

 

fonefiddy,

About those Ford steering boxes...I don't remember one ever going completely out...but then again I've never owned a Ford. I do remember from driving many of the 70's Fords that the they wore out fast and had lots of play...we Chevy folk always referred to driving one of the old Ford's as something like hearding a pig with two ten foot poles...first the pig would go left, then right, then left...you get the picture. Maybe those SHOULD HAVE been replaced huh?!?!?!
Oh yeah...the rag joint. I had a buddy that dang year killed himself when his let go in his trusty F100!
I believe Ford used the recirculating ball steering box (just like GM's been used since 1973) in their 80's models trucks (much more reliable than the old worm gear design). As for today's stuff, I'm not sure. I know my 1994 Chevy still has the recirculating ball but the newer ones have a rack and pinion in the 2WD. Anyone know what's in the newer Fomoco's?

 

My 84 goes down the highway straight as an arrow, with no "slop" or wander in the frontend. My 77 on the other hand although I am not familiar with the history of the truck, has a very loose front end. I am afraid to take it on the road until I can get it fixed.

 

My F-250 pulled a Kenworth T600 out of the ditch it was stuck in

It was in the spring a few years ago while my dad was still driving it, and the ground was soggy and muddy with some snow still on the ground. Really fun to watch.

The Ford had around 110k miles at the time.

 

Just Curious sasKuach, what year F250 do you have? 2wd or 4wd, which engine and tranny?

 

If your '77 is real bad, check the rag joint. It's allmost allways in need of replacement, on a truck of this vintage. They're available at most parts stores

 

I don't know how many of you are avid four-wheelers, but AGR Perfomance Steering pumps and Steering Boxes are the way to go if your Ford Factory Equipment has failed on you and you are tired of replacing the darn thing. Awhile back I was mudding in my 2wd F-150 and I blew out the pitman arm shaft seal on my steering box. The mud kept the power steering fluid leaking out until I cleaned the truck up. The next day the entire pump had drained on to the ground. I replaced both units and the power steering lines to ensure no contaminated fliud damages the pump or box. I recomend this for three reasons. 1. That Ford factory pumps are loud and whine under a load, where the AGR Pump is a lot quieter and smoother. 2. Factory pumps are really weak in the turning dept, the AGR unit turns so quick you have to re-teach yourself how to drive. and 3. The AGR unit is a rebuilt Ford housing with new parts machined by AGR themselves. Price wise the gearbox will run between $295 to $395 for 1978 to 1996 models. The pump will run $115 for 1980 to 1996 models. Power Steering lines run about $15-$20 at AutoZone. AGRs website is http://www.agrsteering.com for you to browse their applications. I hope this helps "Straighten" your problems out.
"Catch ya on the Flip Side."

 

I know I was strongly concidering converting my 77 to a better power steering system. I do wheel my 84 fairly regularly and have found trying to steer that beast in deep mud and sand to be quite a chore. Especially when you're up to your doors in mud trying to rock yourself out! The ole power steering pump does put up quite a ruckus when under heavy load. Now I am thinking I might convert to an AGR pump in my 84 too! Good suggestion txt!

 

'89, 4x4. All I know is that it's a 5spd manual. My neighborhood mechanic says it's a 5.7 L but he's not sure either.

 

chevy has been jusk since about 4ever a ford will always last longer i know from experiance the only people that like them is rich kids that dont haft to worrie about durability

 

You mean 5.8L, don't you?

 

"i know from experiance the only people that like them is rich kids that dont haft to worrie about durability"

You've got to be kidding me. My pitiful W2 form and my trusty Chevy laugh at you!

 

im not refering to the entire nation just the rich kids that r starting to move into my little town in arkansas. Ps.You cant laugh at what you cant catch

 

Chevy engineers must be dipsticks. Prime example is the 4L30E automatic transmission that was a joint project between them and Isuzu. Its a very good tranny....buuuuut...you have to take it to the dealer to check the tranny fluid. It has no dipstick.
You have to crawl under it with the engine running.........

Thats the only complaint I have with my 2001 Rodeo. My 3.2 kicks the **** of chevy equivalent and dodge 3.9. Had a Dakota for 3 mos and my Rodeo made look bad. My old Ranger with a 2.8 could kick the Dakotas when the Ranger had 160,00 on it.

Ever notice chevy always puts a bigger engine up against a smaller engine in their add campaign?

Ever noticed how NASCAR rule changes generally benefit GM?

 

I am not a huge NASCAR buff, but if I remember correctly, all the rules in NASCAR benefitted the ford. The rules that come to mind are spoilers and restricter plate sizes.....chevy had one set of rules and ford had another set. Everyone said that if chevy and ford had to set their cars up identical, there would never be a ford to cross the finish line first