steering gear
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Stanchfield,MN
steering gear
I have a 86 f150 4x4 with a EFI 5.0 and AOD. It has been lifted a total of 7 inches and runs 35 inch tires. Ive noticed lately that i have alot of play in the steering wheel and its getting worse. I know usually this is a sign of a worn out steering gear but ive heard that you can adjust them. Does anyone know if this is true? And if it is, where is the adjustment and how do you do it?
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From: Virginia
I would look carefully at the frame around the steering box. Also get somebody to turn the steering wheel while you watch the frame and box area. Chevrolets are not the only ones that crack the frame around the steering box, especially when the truck is lifted, which puts more strain on the frame mount.
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
Make sure the steering box is in the center of it's travel. Loosen the nut around the threaded bolt sticking up through the middle of the top of the box. Turn the bolt down about an 1/8th of a turn clockwise, lock the nut, and then test drive it. If you get it too tight, the steering wheel won't want to return to center when driving down the road.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 237
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From: Stanchfield,MN
thanks for the help guys. i checked the rag joint today, lets put it this way im glad i checked it cause it was ready to go. so i replaced it with a used one i bought for $20 and it solved my problem. The steering is nice and tight like brand new.
