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1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Bumpsides Ford Truck

How much steering play is "normal"?

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Old Sep 30, 2004 | 06:53 PM
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From: outback
How much steering play is "normal"?

I have about 3"-4" of steering play. Seems excessive but i dont know. It is an f250 cs without power steering. What is the best way to tighten the steering? Thanks
 
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Old Oct 1, 2004 | 03:09 PM
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That is a lot. Have someone slowly turn the steering wheel while you watch the linkage to see where the slop is. The rag joint at the steering box is a prime cause.
 
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Old Oct 1, 2004 | 05:17 PM
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From: in the springs
no its not right but it is common

i had about the same amount

if you look at the top of your steering gear box there is a nut and and allen head screw you break the bolt loose and then tighten down the screw and re tighten the nut it took about 2 inches of play out of my steering.
 
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Old Oct 1, 2004 | 05:18 PM
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From: outback
Originally Posted by Mike W
That is a lot. Have someone slowly turn the steering wheel while you watch the linkage to see where the slop is. The rag joint at the steering box is a prime cause.
Thanks. Can one replace the "rag joint" or is it part of an assembly?
 
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Old Oct 1, 2004 | 05:50 PM
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Originally Posted by elemint
Thanks. Can one replace the "rag joint" or is it part of an assembly?

you can replace it and the parts are even cheap. But, it does take a little work to get things apart and back together. But, it made the biggest difference with my truck...even after replacing the pump, steering gear, all tie-rods and bushings, the rag joint did the trick. Like $7 for the generic kit in "Help" section of your local auto parts store.
 
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Old Oct 1, 2004 | 05:55 PM
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From: outback
Originally Posted by gtex
you can replace it and the parts are even cheap. But, it does take a little work to get things apart and back together. But, it made the biggest difference with my truck...even after replacing the pump, steering gear, all tie-rods and bushings, the rag joint did the trick. Like $7 for the generic kit in "Help" section of your local auto parts store.
I dont have power steering (yet...) So maybe it will not be a big deal?
 
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Old Oct 1, 2004 | 10:52 PM
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Opps... Ok, i now realize i have a bendix PS box... No pump or hoses connected though. Could this be part of the reason for the poor low speed steering? You guys know where to get parts for these?
 
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Old Oct 2, 2004 | 02:00 AM
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check ebay for the brackets. your local parts store should be able to get the pump and hoses.

or hit the junk yard..
 
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Old Oct 14, 2004 | 08:10 PM
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Just installed ps in my '72 4WD. It seems like steering is "faster" than with manual. Is this just because it turns so easily, or are the gears in a ps box different than a manual box?
 
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Old Oct 14, 2004 | 08:56 PM
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Bait,
you still have that giant manual steering wheel. Put on a smaller diameter one it will slow it down a bit
 
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