Hey Guys,
I had a quick question about my 73 f-350 Super Camper, its about my steering, its about as loose as i think it could be without being dangerous and I was wondering if any of you guys have simmilar problems with your simmilar vintage trucks. Is it just the norm for that older power steering? Or is it time I started looking around for new bushings and that sort of stuff? If so where do I find some good quality ones that I won't have to replace anytime soon and at what price?
Thanks in advance
-Chris

 

These trucks all have fairly sloppy steering by today's standards - but it's hard to know what's normal wear and what's dangerous w/out looking under your truck. If it is really feels loose or has a big "dead zone" there is probably something wrong. There's a lot that can wear out or work loose in 31 years.

You might want to check or have checked all of the joints in the steering linkages for wear. I would also check the steering box for play and for cracked or broken frame mounts, it's not unheard of to have the frame crack or bolts work out. Finally, I would check all of the bushings, etc., in the front axle.

I've always had good luck w/Moog chassis parts and Energy Suspension bushings, but there are other good suppliers. Check out the links on this site.

Good luck and have your truck checked to make sure it is safe!

 

Check the rag joint first. It has been my experience that by changing out the rag joint alot of the play will go away.

 

Moog is good stuff. You might want to replace the tie rod/drag link assembly to get all new joints.

 

The steering on my '78 f150 with 33" tires is the absolute worst. Driving the truck is totally a full-time job with both hands on the wheels. I have replaced the steering column and rag joint so far (because the column it came with was a mess and because the rag joint was convenient to replace at the time). But the vague steering continued. There's too much play.

So to work out some of the play I tightened the screw on the steering gear. I didn't want to take it too far, though, because of reports (here) that the gear could lock up at the worst time if you're not careful. The truck is still all over the place...constantly correct the direction but having to turn the steering wheel far too much each way. And with the truck idling, there's a weird feeling in the steering wheel as you turn it through its play area.

The front axle bushings are cracked (the C bushings) and need replacement. The tie rod ends need to be checked and probably the ball joints too. So there is still much to be done. But I'm suspicious that the steering gear is past its prime and its time to move on.

Oh and then there's the alignment thing that should happen after all of the above items have been checked and/or replaced.

 

Thanks Guys,
Ill make sure to check stuff out, I was probably going to anyway but didnt want to put out any money without reason. Ill also make sure to check out what Moog has to offer.
Thanks again
-Chris

 

I have spent a number of years trying to improve the steering on my '79 2WD. So far, it has really come a long way. All the above posts are good. Start with the simple things that are easy and work your way into the harder ones. Radius arm bushings and the rag joint are definelty the first place to start. I remember after doing these there was an improvement. I went on and replaced all the links. I remember the old steering linkage was so loose that I could easily pivot the ends around the knuckles. After I replaced them, the bounce or loss of control after hitting a bump definelty improved. I went on and put in new coil springs, shocks, and even did the kings pins with new bushings along with new pivot bushings in the I-beams. I was still not sold on the steering so I changed out my old leaking PS box. That was a PITA, and gave little improvement for the cost and time. Don't fiddle with the screw it won't do much to keep the truck from wandering. This was all done a few years back. I finally found a shop a couple of months ago that actually bends the I-beams and radius arms into spec....man, what a difference. I ended up paying a lot ($140) for the alignment job, but it was well worth it when it comes to "play" and wander. All I have left that I think that will make a difference is the rear spring eye bushings and body mounts...my point is this- old trucks handle like old trucks, expect some play in the wheel. I'll have to admit, replacing worn out parts is smart - but replace the right ones. Don't focus on the box or the pump, rather find a shop that can "tweak" the I-beams into spec (if you have a 2WD). They should be able to give you the honest low down and clue you in as to where the best improvement can be made.

 

replace the steering gearbox. it'll work. after that get an alignment. just taking your truck to a shop and having them do this will surely bring out every deficiency in the system.(they love to make money!)