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I have 79 f 150 4x4 auto with tilt steering. I would like to disable the "tilt" function and in effect have a one peace solid shaft. I would do this by tightening up the bolt in the u joint solid, welding, epoxy or whatever. Do the 2 pins contribute to any rotational slack in the steering wheel? There is very little up and down or side to side play in the wheel so the bearings must be good, but the shop that looked at it said the "pins" were worn? It seems that if the shaft was solid [u joint solid] there should be no slack when turning the wheel. The 2 pins should have nothing to do with the slack turning the wheel. The tilt function works well but is never used so am happy to disable it. Would appreciate comments. Thanks
AFAIK there is a common wear item that causes slack/play in the up and down motion of the wheel. Sorry I can remember that part #. AFAIK that part is not reproduced either. I am not sure how to lock out the tilt option and or take out the tilt play, without replacing that part.
Remove & sell the tilt column for $200-300, buy a non tilt column for $50 & install it. Probably less work than disabling the tilt & you'll end up with $$$ in your pocket.
I can not see where you would get rotational (steering wheel turning back and forth "slack" or play as in 1/4, 1/2" to 3/4" turning before any reaction in the tires and wheels moving) from the tilt mechanism, unless it is REALLY bad.
Normally you get steering wheel movement (complete wheel tilt, like top of steering wheel towards dash maybe 1/8, 1/4"). If it is that bad in there X2 remove it and get a better condition none tilt. Cheaper for sure.
Maybe the issue is the flex (rag) joint in the steering shaft connections in the eng compartment? Have you inspected that and or considered the play to be because of an internally worn steering box itself? Redhead or Blue Top steering box time.
I have isolated ALL the rotational slack [there is no feeling for at least 3 inches] to the steering colulmn itself and the only joint in the shaft from bottom of colulmn to top is the u joint located in the middle of the tilt mechanism which is adjustable by tightening a bolt. There is wear from the bolt and the halves of the semi u joint. Everything from the bottom of the colulmn on to the steering box is new or tight. The issue is the u joint or possibly there are 2 pins in the housing.If I could lock or sieze the u joint as I indicated I think my slack would be gone, in essence have a solid shaft. Read my original post. I cannot find any replacement parts here in Alberta,,,,,there are several solid columns but they will not interchange.
Ok just was use to working down stream from the wheel and finding other items worn out. Well then get to the pins and tack weld them. If that does not work then time to source a complete none tilt steering column.
I have a few F150 4x4 manual trans steering columns. I even have a tilt one (already spoken for and trading for a none tilt to put back in) another 79 F150 4x4 4spd.
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