Steering questions

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Apr 3, 2022 | 12:47 PM

Jigsawman

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Joined: Nov 2021

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Steering questions

Ok, now I am on to steering stuff. The steering in the 78 F250 4x4 was pretty sloppy. A mechanic friend of mine suggested that the drag link was worn out. He said it looked like it moved around too much. I also searched the forums here and found that the gear box likely needed some adjustment as well. Here are my steering issues:

1. Whoever owned this last put a lift kit on the truck which included a drag link to accommodate the lift. In doing so, I am pretty sure they did not have the steering pitman arm lined up correctly because the truck turns on a dime to the right, but a left turn is almost a three point turn to accomplish (sigh).
2. They replaced the steering wheel and it almost feels like there is something not quite tight on the upper end of the steering column, almost like a worn bearing feel to it just under the turn signal package. Can't find a break down image of the steering column to know what the issue might be (not that an image would be the answer anyway).
3. In regards to the drag link, what is normal play on those?
4. I loosed the adjuster screw and nut on the steering gear box and turned the screw in about one turn. Steering feels a little better but still not 100% right.'

Any insights form you guys would be helpful. You always seen to get me on track quickly. Thanks!
JSM

Apr 3, 2022 | 02:04 PM

ranger140892

Grumpy goat

Joined: May 2017

Posts: 3,059

Likes: 597

First thing, "adjusting" the steering gearbox is a No-Go. If it has deflection, it needs to be replaced. And a parts store remanufactured steering gearbox will have new seals, but just as much deflection as it had when the remanufacturer received it. It's expensive, but look into Redhead or Blue Top steering gear boxes.

As for the drag link ball stud, it should be rigid enough that you cannot move it with a sharp smack from a rubber mallet. Beyond that, check the gearbox box bolts for torque, frame integrity where the gearbox attaches, tie rod ball studs, ball joints, wheel bearings, and spring bushings. All of those can give similar symptoms. Also, check out your lower steering shaft, and upper steering shaft for deflection.

Apr 3, 2022 | 02:08 PM

tbear853

Hotshot

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 10,848

Likes: 2,616

From: The Shenandoah Valley

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jigsawman

Ok, now I am on to steering stuff. The steering in the 78 F250 4x4 was pretty sloppy. A mechanic friend of mine suggested that the drag link was worn out. He said it looked like it moved around too much. I also searched the forums here and found that the gear box likely needed some adjustment as well. Here are my steering issues:

1. Whoever owned this last put a lift kit on the truck which included a drag link to accommodate the lift. In doing so, I am pretty sure they did not have the steering pitman arm lined up correctly because the truck turns on a dime to the right, but a left turn is almost a three point turn to accomplish (sigh).
2. They replaced the steering wheel and it almost feels like there is something not quite tight on the upper end of the steering column, almost like a worn bearing feel to it just under the turn signal package. Can't find a break down image of the steering column to know what the issue might be (not that an image would be the answer anyway).
3. In regards to the drag link, what is normal play on those?
4. I loosed the adjuster screw and nut on the steering gear box and turned the screw in about one turn. Steering feels a little better but still not 100% right.'

Any insights form you guys would be helpful. You always seen to get me on track quickly. Thanks!
JSM

When "whomever" lifted the truck, they increased the included angles of the short drag link to ball joint studs, and putting a not straight but S shaped drag link in place does not correct them, they should have used a drop pitman arm on to correct the angles. By doing it as they did, they swung the axle end of the drag link down, which swinging it through an arc, moved it more forward too. Result was they then had to hold the steering wheel to the left to actually go straight then. Now when steering left to make that U-turn, you run out of travel. and the lost travel is in the turn to the right now so why you see the quick sharp right turns you spoke of.

How to fix ... either return ride height to stock and get a new stock drag link ... or ... get a pitman arm intended for a '78 F-250 4x4 with the lift built in it as an offset to re-align the drag link, and you'll still need a new drag link for a stock truck to maintain end ball type joint clearances so they don't bind. The S shaped one you might have only gave clearance for those two included ball jointed ends after the pitman arm was raised further above the spindle end.

Apr 3, 2022 | 06:35 PM

77&79F250

Moderator & parts slinger

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 50,260

Likes: 5,819

From: S/W Missouri, Polk county

That screw on the steering box is NOT an adjuster to take up the slack for worn parts. That screw is for setting the preload on the input shaft AND THAT IS IT. You get it set wrong you can accelerate the wearing out of the internals (I bet they are already worn out) of the steering box and worse case cause it to lock up in a turn.

How much lift does it have? With a 4" and up lift kit you for sure need a "drop" pitman arm and an adjustable steering link. Item #4 in tbears diagram.

Drag link should be tight like tie rod ends. I bet your steering box is worn out, start your insp there and work your way to and thru the steering linkage and the tie rod ends and the end compartment steering shaft. Insp the bell end (where the steering shaft connect to the steering box input shaft) and the u joint in the shaft where it connects to the steering column coming out the fire wall.

Then read up on Borgeson steering shafts. https://www.borgeson.com/shafting.html

I know I posted some steering column diagrams here. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...then-some.html

Apr 3, 2022 | 07:12 PM

diesel rookie

Cross-Country

Joined: Sep 2015

Posts: 64

Likes: 22

From: florida

X 2 on the Red Head or Blue Top. If you plan on keeping this truck you may want to check into the crossover steering setups. Before spending $$$ on the stock setup.

Apr 4, 2022 | 09:54 AM

fordrealdrive

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 1,303

Likes: 46

From: KCMO

Deleted...

Apr 4, 2022 | 10:20 AM