Ford truck newby here. I just was given this truck from my father in law. About 20 some years ago, he took a 1982 f100 auto with inline 6 and put a 1986 f150 cab and probably truck bed on that chassis, along with a 351W and 4 speed gearbox. 2 wheel drive, but raised about 5”. No idea what else yet, as his dementia has set in more.

the steering was really loose. So did a quick and dirty front end alignment with strings, and especially one side was way off. So got that better and slight toe in, about 1/8”.
We put in a new steering box sometime last year. The pump does make noise hard over on either side though, so thinking of replacing that too. I did tighten the adjusting bolt on the gearbox till I could just feel some resistance then backed off a half turn. But the issue now is the steering shaft. I don’t know what exactly you call the steering shaft shown in the picture. But there is some play in the joint near the firewall with the one bolt going thru and the slip in connection at the bottom where it goes into the steering box. Plus the universal joint in the middle there no longer has the rubber cover and doesn’t look good to me.

Sorry for the long intro, but hope it helps. What is that shaft assembly called and any idea where I can get one?

thanks for all of your help. And I’ll be adding some more as I go thru this truck.

Gary

 

I have always called that steering shaft the steering shaft. So you have the name correct, I think. Where to get one try LMC truck, used on ebay or car-part.com

 

Thanks Bigblue. I’m used to working on my 69 MGB, things are a bit different on the truck.

 

I would also call it the steering shaft.
I have heard of that joint getting play and needing replacement.
I dont know if you would be any better off with another used one, dont think you can get new anymore and can only think how much it would be

I think others have used Borgeson joints and maybe new shaft to replace the factory unit https://www.google.com/search?q=borg...client=gws-wiz

I dont know what they all did to make it happen as I never looked into it that deep.
I will say I bet the lift did not help that Ujoint any over time as it most likely needed to flex a lot more.
Dave ----

 

I am a huge fan of Borgeson joints. Made in the USA! I would get it apart an identify the joints needed and replace them all. Normally, its a 35 spline at the steering column, but that may be different. Borgeson makes everything you need.
Here is the shaft you will need. Cut it to length and be sure to paint or clear it so that it wont rust. Same with the joints.

https://amzn.to/4kFQ2RQ

 

It's a good idea to scribe the position of the steering shaft before removing it. It's not that hard to get your wheel mis-aligned by rotating a spline.

 

They sell a replacement shaft assembly. 1980-1991 Ford F150 Steering Shaft - Borgeson 000980 - PartsGeek.com

 

Franklin, that is exactly what I just did. Way more robust than the stock one. Pretty easy to instal, just had to cut it to length. Made a huge difference! I feel safe driving it finally!