Steering problems on 4x4

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Nov 30, 2004 | 08:16 PM

winterx700

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Joined: Nov 2004

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Steering problems on 4x4

I just picked this truck up for a great price....just about everything has been done on this truck shocks, springs, rebuilt 4wd, brakes and lines, etc...
anyway I know absolutely "NOTHING" about trucks. Im 27 and heres the kicker...Im a HONDA tech! I have the ability to learn.

My problem is when Im driving its all OVER the place I have to fight the wheel to keep it in my lane, I cannot get it to go straight. I have read other threads about steering problems but none seem to be the year of my truck, Is this a common problem? I also checked the steering components out, I have a PS pump, The steering wheel shaft(?) goes into some kind of box in the left front of the truck with a line that comes from the pump and by the left front wheel hooked to the tie rod (maybe?) there is also some dohickey...haha I told you I have no clue! The truck has 33's on it....I am open to any and all suggestions.
please go easy on me haha! I would love to get this steering issue fixed cause then I would have a great truck, but as it stands right now Im scared to drive it .....PLEASE HELP!
thanks in advance,
rob

Dec 1, 2004 | 01:43 AM

highboy1975

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 2,110

Likes: 32

From: southwest pa

i always thought this problem made my truck more fun to drive. lol. on my truck, it was the joint connecting the pitman arm to the drag link. i made a few phone calls to see about having my drag link rebuilt and im looking around 400$. im making a temporary switch over to manual steering until i get the money together to switch over to real power steering. the hydraulic steering is plenty strong, just very difficult to get parts for.

Dec 1, 2004 | 09:26 AM

73Custom

Postmaster

Joined: Apr 2000

Posts: 2,838

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From: SD

Like any vehicle, you need to inspect the front steering linkages for wear. Have someone move the steering wheel back and forth as you inspect each part of the linkages. Start at the base of the column (there is a joint or two before the steering box), then check the steering box for excessive play and look over each of the tierod ends and ball joints. If any have signs of wear or looseness then replace them.

If you feel the need to replace the steering box, or hydrolic cylinder - consider swapping in the better '77.5-'79 style steering box - as explained in the tech article, through the link at top right of page. The newer integrated power steering box is a much better unit - to work on and drive...

Let us know what you find.

Marty

Dec 1, 2004 | 09:22 PM

winterx700

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Joined: Nov 2004

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well,...I didnt have much time to inspect all steering linkages,components, etc...BUT, what I did find is the plastic guide/bushing that snaps into the base of the steering column was not even in. The bearing that also is on the shaft was frozen to it. I cleaned the shaft with some sandpaper. then I took a wrench that fit snug to the shaft (opened end) and I applied it to the inner race of the bearing and gently tapped the wrench. It became free and I put everything back together. This solved most of the problem. I now have hardly "ANY" play in the steering wheel but It still wonders a bit. I will check the rest tommorrow and get back to you all!
thank you for the advice and I look forward to learning alot about my beast (lol) Ill get some pics and post up for you all to see.
thaks again,
rob

Dec 2, 2004 | 08:03 PM

mike9762

Junior User

Joined: Nov 2004

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steering solution for me

check out the steering set screw post i posted

Dec 2, 2004 | 08:28 PM

CrazyAirman

Elder User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 686

Likes: 1

From: Edgewood, Wa

Quote:

Originally Posted by winterx700

This solved most of the problem. I now have hardly "ANY" play in the steering wheel but It still wonders a bit.

Aw, c'mon, the wandering is what gives these old truck's their character!!

Dec 2, 2004 | 08:28 PM

teds74ford

Logistics Pro

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 4,701

Likes: 6

The rag joint between the steering box and the steering shaft should be looked at. It might be worn out. It is only a rubber disc. I would consider the steering screw, like mike said.