Alignment done right
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 566
Likes: 217
From: South of Orlando
Alignment done right
I replaced links and tie rod ends in my 64. Now, the alignment is very close to where I want. Trouble is, the steering wheel is no longer straight when going straight down the road. I am tempted to take the steering wheel off and see if I can just put it back on so it is straight. Am I overthinking it? I worry that when turning from full left to full right, straight will not be in the middle. I mean, 1.2 turns left might be fully turned to stop but 1.5 turns right might be to stop if I just take the steering wheel off and get it straight when the tires are straight.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 713
Not overthinking.
The fixed center link only allows adjustment to be made at the single tie rod, thus bringing the left wheel in line with wherever the right may be. Therefore the only way to center the steering wheel is to remove and reposition.
The fixed center link only allows adjustment to be made at the single tie rod, thus bringing the left wheel in line with wherever the right may be. Therefore the only way to center the steering wheel is to remove and reposition.
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 566
Likes: 217
From: South of Orlando
Wow! That was a quick response and helps relieve the anxiety of if I needed to correct something that I did so far. Thanks! Now to figure out how to remove the horn without breaking something. Anything to worry about before I start prying it off ?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 376
You do have adjusting sleeves at the tie rod ends...correct?
Edit: I may have to retract my statements. Looks like adjusting sleeves started in 1965.
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 566
Likes: 217
From: South of Orlando
It's one tie rod from side to side and a non adjustable link to the steering arm from the steering box to the left wheel. Excuse me for any wrong terms.
By push down, I think you meant in toward the steering shaft, right? Not down toward the seat?
By push down, I think you meant in toward the steering shaft, right? Not down toward the seat?
Lead Gopher
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 10,066
Likes: 1,622
From: Seattle
This plastic piece or a similar facsimile called the 'horn blowing index plate' holds the horn ring/button on. The 3 plastic tabs go into the notches in the steering wheel. Disconnect the battery and then push inwards like you are blowing the horn and then turn it counterclockwise.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 566
Likes: 217
From: South of Orlando
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 713
I respectfully disagree with removing the steering wheel to center the steering. The tie rod ends can be adjusted to center the steering. Hopefully you have a means of measuring the toe. Once the toe is correct, take the truck for a short drive to judge where the steering wheel should be for driving straight, then adjust the tie rods on both sides to maintain the correct toe and center the steering wheel.
You do have adjusting sleeves at the tie rod ends...correct?
Edit: I may have to retract my statements. Looks like adjusting sleeves started in 1965.
You do have adjusting sleeves at the tie rod ends...correct?
Edit: I may have to retract my statements. Looks like adjusting sleeves started in 1965.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Armyrules2
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Dec 11, 2017 09:51 PM
hatchet
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Mar 20, 2010 04:54 AM