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I’m trying to figure the source of steering play in my 1975 f250 with power steering. I’ve attached two videos hoping that I can receive some insight. Do you guys think my gear box is worn out, needs to be adjusted, or the arm after the gear box is worn out (my guess).
The system Ford used on a lot of vehicles in the era was the worst design ever dreamed up. they drove like crap from the day they were new and started leaking soon after. you may have some slack in your box that could be adjusted out, but that play in the valve is normal and it can't be.
If you plan on keeping this rig do yourself a favor and convert it to integral power steering, the kits are the best and easiest way to do it but there are homemade alternatives that are still better than what you have.
The system Ford used on a lot of vehicles in the era was the worst design ever dreamed up. they drove like crap from the day they were new and started leaking soon after. you may have some slack in your box that could be adjusted out, but that play in the valve is normal and it can't be.
If you plan on keeping this rig do yourself a favor and convert it to integral power steering, the kits are the best and easiest way to do it but there are homemade alternatives that are still better than what you have.
What about all that play in the second video, on the vertical arm after the gear box (not sure what its called). Do you not think that could be a big source of my issue?
As stated the power assist will always have some play but there are places that can wear and make it worse. I bought a like new 77 highboy at age 17 in 1979 with 5000 miles. I returned it to dealer complaining there was play in the steering something is wrong. The salesperson said "son, that has power assist steering and its normal. He was right. In total since that time I've had 5 highboys and all were same.
Its possible there is some wear in the ball and socket socket/spring assembly where you see play. This section is rebuildable. The ball can wear and/or the seat or less likkely the springs can get weak but it must be understood there will never be zero freeplay in this steering system.
There should not be play in the manual gearbox itself. For every movement of the input shaft there should be movement of the output shaft.
Last edited by Mark8man; Apr 29, 2026 at 10:25 AM.
As stated the power assist will always have some play but there are places that can wear and make it worse. I bought a like new 77 highboy at age 17 in 1979 with 5000 miles. I returned it to dealer complaining there was play in the steering something is wrong. The salesperson said "son, that has power assist steering and its normal. He was right. In total since that time I've had 5 highboys and all were same.
Its possible there is some wear in the ball and socket socket/spring assembly where you see play. This section is rebuildable. The ball can wear and/or the seat or less likkely the springs can get weak but it must be understood there will never be zero freeplay in this steering system.
There should not be play in the manual gearbox itself. For every movement of the input shaft there should be movement of the output shaft.
I realize there will always be play, but I think mine is excessive. I’m thinking it’s coming from this part here, after the gear box. What do you think… I can’t seem to find any pitman arms with a pinch bolt style system. As the video shows, I think the joint closest to the ground is worn out.
Sorry for the non stop questions. I just noticed the whole control valve rotates when I wiggle the steering wheel. It has play at both ends and rotates at these points left to right.
That play is 100% normal at that location. There is a spool in there that is simply sloppy. Highboy steering is very sloppy and prone to wander, nature of the beast with ram assist.
That play is 100% normal at that location. There is a spool in there that is simply sloppy. Highboy steering is very sloppy and prone to wander, nature of the beast with ram assist.
The box is probably a little loose but its a 50+ year old box. You pretty much have 2 options. 1) complete rebuild of your factory steering (box, control valve, ram and hoses) and you still have sloppy steering. 2) upgrade to a 78/79 box. If it will be a dd I would seriously think about doing the 78/79 box upgrade. It is not a bolt on kit but is not terribly difficult if you have any fabrication skills.
I believe benchworks makes a bolt on kit but be prepared for sticker shock. Battleborn brakes sells a steel plate kit to weld into your frame. You would need to source the steering gear but that can be easily found from many places.
i am keeping the power assist on mine but i grew up with poor steering trucks and I feel like the assisted steering is a large part of the "highboy ". If you are used to newer vehicles then it may be a little scary to drive.
I really appreciate all the info. I want to keep the truck pretty much how it is. How would I go about rebuilding it? I can’t seem to find any complete rebuild kits.
I bought a new ram, control valve and hoses from rockauto. Got a reman steering gear from redhead. They also offer the control valve at a premium price. When I talked to them about it they said that they were rebuilt to oem specs so I didn't buy from them.
It would help but it won't ever be like new. The gear parts are where the slop is most likely from. Thats why I spent the money on redhead. They actually make it better than factory
There’s no way to just replace the gear parts? If I went redhead route, is it a direct replacement installation. Their pitman arm looks different than mine
He was right. In total since that time I've had 5 highboys and all were same.
