acceptable slop
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 278
Likes: 86
acceptable slop
What's the acceptable amount of slop in the steering of my 95 150. Right now I can move the steering wheel about 2 to 3 inches while driving with little to no affect on direction of travel. I know these things were never great from new as far as slop goes. Before I go plowing money into it for steering parts I'm looking for a baseline to judge it from.
The snow is melting and the days are getting warmer here in Wisconsin so I can start crawling around under it and look for culprits of the play.
Also, the red head steering boxes, if I should need one. I have seen the China parts company's selling them with red painted heads lately in a few spots. What is the true USA rebuilt redhead boxes? Company name?
Thanks, Jeff
The snow is melting and the days are getting warmer here in Wisconsin so I can start crawling around under it and look for culprits of the play.
Also, the red head steering boxes, if I should need one. I have seen the China parts company's selling them with red painted heads lately in a few spots. What is the true USA rebuilt redhead boxes? Company name?
Thanks, Jeff
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 301
Likes: 30
From: Perth Ontario
What's the acceptable amount of slop in the steering of my 95 150. Right now I can move the steering wheel about 2 to 3 inches while driving with little to no affect on direction of travel. I know these things were never great from new as far as slop goes. Before I go plowing money into it for steering parts I'm looking for a baseline to judge it from.
The snow is melting and the days are getting warmer here in Wisconsin so I can start crawling around under it and look for culprits of the play.
Also, the red head steering boxes, if I should need one. I have seen the China parts company's selling them with red painted heads lately in a few spots. What is the true USA rebuilt redhead boxes? Company name?
Thanks, Jeff
The snow is melting and the days are getting warmer here in Wisconsin so I can start crawling around under it and look for culprits of the play.
Also, the red head steering boxes, if I should need one. I have seen the China parts company's selling them with red painted heads lately in a few spots. What is the true USA rebuilt redhead boxes? Company name?
Thanks, Jeff
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 4,281
Likes: 2,413
From: Everywhere and nowhere
There is a nut with a stud in the center that accepts a large flathead screwdriver. You can break the nut loose and turn the stud to tighten the steering. Once you hit the end of that its time for a hydroboost or a Saginaw upgrade.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,268
Likes: 2,563
From: Near Salt Lake City
You had better check all the steering linkage including the lower / intermediate shaft
Tie rod ends and ball joints
The gear is most likely okay or needs a minor sector shaft adjustment
Tie rod ends and ball joints
The gear is most likely okay or needs a minor sector shaft adjustment
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 12,317
Likes: 1,298
From: Central Mississippi
First you eliminate ALL play in all associated steering components.
Then you do the above described adjustment, only no more than 1/4 turn first.
If that does not bring your slop down to an inch or less, you can do another quarter turn.
If that does not satisfy you, remove or acquire another stock, "non-rebuilt" box and send it to either:
https://www.redheadsteeringgears.com...kaAkn0EALw_wcB
or their only competitor:
https://bluetopsteeringgears-com.3dc...Ford_c_12.html
Then you do the above described adjustment, only no more than 1/4 turn first.
If that does not bring your slop down to an inch or less, you can do another quarter turn.
If that does not satisfy you, remove or acquire another stock, "non-rebuilt" box and send it to either:
https://www.redheadsteeringgears.com...kaAkn0EALw_wcB
or their only competitor:
https://bluetopsteeringgears-com.3dc...Ford_c_12.html
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 219
From: Northwest
I have a 2004 with play and a 1997 that is tight. Both have same mileage.
What a pleasure it is to drive a truck with tight steering. The 2004 is parked most of the time.
Your question is a "personal preference". It has a lot to do with time and money.
For some vintage owner's, once the tightening up starts, it goes on for quite a while.
Perfection can be a mirage.
What a pleasure it is to drive a truck with tight steering. The 2004 is parked most of the time.
Your question is a "personal preference". It has a lot to do with time and money.
For some vintage owner's, once the tightening up starts, it goes on for quite a while.
Perfection can be a mirage.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 12,317
Likes: 1,298
From: Central Mississippi
That many of us never realize is not obtainable with what we actually have.
Lot of folk hate non-rubber bushings, but when I went poly, it tightened up my steering & I wasn't even looking for it.
Lot of folk hate non-rubber bushings, but when I went poly, it tightened up my steering & I wasn't even looking for it.
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