Sloppy steering, best solution?
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Mineeesooota
Sloppy steering, best solution?
My '90 has sloppier steering than I would like. I replaced the steering gear with another from a junkyard and no improvement...part of me even thinks it's worse now. Both were same year/chassis, etc. and approx. mileage.
I have a 4" lift. I plan to redo the lift since I also have a bent radius arm (already an extended rancho unit) and crusty old springs. In doing so, I really want to tighten up the handling and response of the front end.
What are some things people have done, and is there a better solution for upgrading the steering? I.e. a quicker ratio box, or what are some suggestions?
I have a 4" lift. I plan to redo the lift since I also have a bent radius arm (already an extended rancho unit) and crusty old springs. In doing so, I really want to tighten up the handling and response of the front end.
What are some things people have done, and is there a better solution for upgrading the steering? I.e. a quicker ratio box, or what are some suggestions?
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
well going to a used box probably wasnt the best choice. especially one thats just as old. but first i would have your tierods and ball joints inspected. if they are worn then your steering will be sloppy. sounds like your front end in general is in bad shape.
if the front end checks out the buying a new steering box would be your next setup, try napa or go thru summit or jeffsbroncograveyard.
if the front end checks out the buying a new steering box would be your next setup, try napa or go thru summit or jeffsbroncograveyard.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 208
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From: Cincinnati
I'm looking for the same answer for my '94. No lift, just 31" tires. In the past 5 or so years, this is the worst it has floated (mainly at highway speeds). I've replaced just about everything on my front end (from the steering gearbox, to the balljoints and Radius arm bushings, ujoints, alignment, etc.)- and my steering is more sloppy than I would prefer - seems like even worse than before I replaced everything. I have not yet tried adjusting the gear box. Would that be my next, logical step? If not, what would be?
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
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From: Bend,OR
you can adjust it but be very careful and do small turns at a time. because you can cause a bind and that wouldnt be good going down the road and have it stick on ya. a steering stabilizer might be your next step. i am going to order one on friday that should help some. i will say that every bronco owner i know have this issue.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Richfield MN
Some of these trucks must be worse then others.
Had a 90 I just sold was pretty good but this 96 I have now is horrible.
I REPLACED everything and don't dare take my eyes off the road.
I might wind up in someone else's lane
Maybe a steering stabilizer will do the trick thanks Kemicalburns
Had a 90 I just sold was pretty good but this 96 I have now is horrible.
I REPLACED everything and don't dare take my eyes off the road.
I might wind up in someone else's lane
Maybe a steering stabilizer will do the trick thanks Kemicalburns
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 63
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From: OREGON
Get the stiffest steering stabilizer you can find. It's a great improvement and under $100. If you decide to adjust the steering gear, you might want to mark the original position of the adjusting screw so you can tell how much you changed it. Then it's easy does it, maybe turning it just 1/8" from the original mark at a time, then testing it lock to lock.
'96 Bronc, 5.0, 5sp, KYB's, add a leaf,31mt
'96 Bronc, 5.0, 5sp, KYB's, add a leaf,31mt
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Mineeesooota
I had to replace the steering box quickly, so I just grabbed on off a truck I'd gotten other parts off of, I sheared the old output shaft...don't ask.
Anyway, I couldn't get it aligned well, and it still pulls hard right. I know my trailing arm is still bent, though I persuaded it some with my 12# sledgehammer. I've replaced all the balljoints. I think along with a new lift (I can get for same price as just trailing arms and springs) I'll get new tie rod ends, and possible drag link and outer steering link, a new/rebuilt gear, and go from there, along with a stabilizer. I want to put new tires/wheels on it, but I can't until I get the front-end sorted out. Aargh.
So noone has a 'Steer-oids' style hydraulic kit, or rack and pinion or anything like that that is popular for conversions?
Anyway, I couldn't get it aligned well, and it still pulls hard right. I know my trailing arm is still bent, though I persuaded it some with my 12# sledgehammer. I've replaced all the balljoints. I think along with a new lift (I can get for same price as just trailing arms and springs) I'll get new tie rod ends, and possible drag link and outer steering link, a new/rebuilt gear, and go from there, along with a stabilizer. I want to put new tires/wheels on it, but I can't until I get the front-end sorted out. Aargh.
So noone has a 'Steer-oids' style hydraulic kit, or rack and pinion or anything like that that is popular for conversions?
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
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From: Bend,OR
adjusting the gear box may work. some have done it with good results. but like others have said its very sensitive. you must make little turns at a time. My fear is that it may cause a bind , when your turning and then you couldnt straiten out which could be bad if your intown or on the hwy. but lf you mark original spot with chalk then turn screw 1/8 at a time. tighten and drive it may improve enough for ya. just dont get carried away
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
something else that will help , is to move your tierods over the knuckle instead of under. especially if its lifted. you can get a reamer and take out enough to move it on top. this will improve steering angle and create less bumpsteer as well.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 128
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From: San Antonio TX
Just asking here doesn't a steering stabilizer mask other problems? I rmember reading somewhere it does and the main reason I remember for steering stabilizer is for solid fron axles due to restrictions or adjustment options. where as most os us prbably have the ifs half solid front axle setup. I beleive I got this from four wheeler magazine about two years ago. If I can find it I will scan it in to word for everyone unless I can find a link. The way I understand it yes those broncos without full solid front axle do get sloppy over time but, with replacing all the busshings, ball joints and just generaly making sure the steering and alignment component are right as well as radius arms and i beams then should tighten it right back into place. At least this is how I understand it and actually am working either replacing the front with full solid front axle or rebuilding the old setup. If I'm wrong let me know but in about two years or research on this topic and more I haven't found anything to contradict it.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 63
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From: OREGON
Sure a steering stabilzer can mask problems, but regardless it's a great benefit to reducing that floating feeling Big Bronco's are famous for. I bought my '96 Bronco new and installed a stabilizer in the first month. It was available as part of some option pakages from the factory, but my XL didn't have one.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 128
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From: San Antonio TX
Niether did my 96 xlt. But, having the stabilizer doesn't from what I've found fix anything, it like taking tylenol with codien or however you spell it, for a minor headache. sure it makes you feel really good and the pain is gone but the prblem that caused the pain isn't it just masks it. Basically it is a short term aid not a repair.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 649
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From: Monterey bay area
re:I replaced the steering gear with another from a junkyard and no improvement...part of me even thinks it's worse now. Both were same year/chassis, etc. and approx. mileage.
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Hmmm replacing worn parts with junk isn't always going to yield good results....
My steering was sloppy as heck and I replaced the old box with the new one from Ford....it still wasn't tight enough so I removed the steering shaft that plugs into the box and built up the flat edge with a mig welder.... I then ground it back down so it would slide in making for a tight fit...Bingo!!!
Problem solved.
Be sure to check all other pivoting joints in your front end...also be sure the pitman arm has no slack...
cheers
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Hmmm replacing worn parts with junk isn't always going to yield good results....
My steering was sloppy as heck and I replaced the old box with the new one from Ford....it still wasn't tight enough so I removed the steering shaft that plugs into the box and built up the flat edge with a mig welder.... I then ground it back down so it would slide in making for a tight fit...Bingo!!!
Problem solved.
Be sure to check all other pivoting joints in your front end...also be sure the pitman arm has no slack...
cheers