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Feb 19, 2004 | 10:13 AM

russellkr

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Joined: Feb 2002

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I'm back...........................

Been over a year since the 76 250 burned up. I finally found a good deal on a replacement. i paid 500 for a 85 150 with the 302 and efi. It runs and drives pretty well, just a little slop in the steering and the temp gauge shows it as running hot, but was varying wildly on the ride home. My guess is the sensor or the thermostat.

Question i have is:
What are the most likely causes of the slop in the steering?
It doesn't wander, there is just a couple of inches of slop.
Also any adjustments i can make?

Feb 19, 2004 | 10:45 AM

Rick_Ford

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Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 149

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From: Huntsville USA

I had serious slop in my steering on my 84. It turned out to be the power steering gear box. There is an adjustment on there, but I didn't have any luck with it. I ended up having to replace it.

As far as the temperature gauge, I would guess that it is probably the temperature sending unit, or I guess it could be the thermostat.

Either way, they are cheap and easy to replace.

Rick

Feb 19, 2004 | 11:29 AM

Big Orn

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Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 5,643

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From: NE Texas

Welcome back, russellkr. Congrats on the truck.
I would check the ball joints, tie rods, rod ends, etc.
Also the frame where the steering sector is attached. It could have a crack in it causing the sector to wobble.

Feb 19, 2004 | 05:44 PM

victorcharlie

Tuned

Joined: Oct 2003

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Also check the kingpins....

Feb 19, 2004 | 10:41 PM

DanMartin

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Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 284

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From: Beaverton, Oregon

I just had the steering re-done on my 86. We all thought it was the kingpins until I took it in to the alignment shop for some work. (The guy was awsome...really knew his stuff).

Anyways, he said the kingpins were sticking due to lack of grease...a few squirts and some penetrating fluid freed them up. It still needed a new box, pump, hoses and (very important) streering shaft (the internal rubber had seperated). It's now *very* tight. For a 1-ton that is almost 20 years old, it's awsome!

Anyways...just thought I'd share.

Feb 20, 2004 | 04:23 PM

86f15035s

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Joined: Dec 2003

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From: Stanchfield,MN

i need to know how to adjust the gearbox. mine has alot of play and its all in the gearbox

Feb 20, 2004 | 04:44 PM

Big Orn

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Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 5,643

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From: NE Texas

Quote:

Originally posted by 86f15035s
i need to know how to adjust the gearbox. mine has alot of play and its all in the gearbox

Be on the lookout for a good, tight box at the junk yard or save up for a new one. When you say "alot of slack" it usually means "wore out", and there's not much that can be done.
However, on the top of the sector there is a slotted, threaded shaft with a nut underneath it. You must loosen that nut (5/8" I think??? 11/16"??) just a little, then tighten (turn clockwise) that slotted shaft. It is always best to have someone cycle the steering wheel (turn it loosely right and left) while you're doing this until the slack is out. Do not overtighten that shaft.
Always be careful with this adjusting method. Just because your steering is tighter now, does not mean that its in good shape.