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Loose Steering

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Old Aug 4, 2004 | 11:06 AM
  #1  
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From: Rockland, Onatrio
Loose Steering

I know that 80's Fords are (in)famous for loose steering. Is there a way to tighten it up?
 
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Old Aug 4, 2004 | 06:59 PM
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From: Gulf Shores, AL
Do you have power steering?
 
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Old Aug 4, 2004 | 07:08 PM
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From: Rockland, Onatrio
As I can drive it with one hand, I would have to assume I do. Never having driven a car or truck without PS I don;t have anything to base it against.


But I would have to say YES.
 
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Old Aug 4, 2004 | 09:15 PM
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Try a new steering box. They all go south in these mid 80's fords. I just ordered one from the classified section here in FTE.
 
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Old Aug 5, 2004 | 11:47 AM
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You don't need a new power steering box. There's an adjustment screw on top of your box that will remove all the slack. Just don't overtighten it.
 
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Old Aug 5, 2004 | 02:03 PM
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That's not entirely true. There is an adjustment screw on top, but most of the time by the time you need to adjust it, the box is usually too far gone. This is a very common problem on Fords, Being in the parts business for about 15 or so years now, I can't tell you how many boxes I've sold. Try the adjustment, but you may have to spring for a new reman box.
 
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Old Aug 5, 2004 | 02:11 PM
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From: Rockland, Onatrio
Thanks.. Guys that is great. I am picking up a Hayes Manuel for the truck.. How tricky to replace this would you say? 1 - 10?
 
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Old Aug 5, 2004 | 02:50 PM
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The hardest part will probably be getting the Pitman arm off, you'll probably have to rent the tool for this. After that, should be fairly easy, disconnect the lines, the steering shaft, and I think it's either 3 or 4 bolts that hold it to the frame. Scale of 1-10 is probably 6 or 7. Hope this helps. Good luck.
 
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