I have an '86 Ford E250 that just failed inspection for steering wheel lash. Is it the steering box or something else causing it?(too much play in the wheel)

I disconnected the kickdown rod to my trans. Will this do any permanent damage to the trans?

Thanks for any help

 

>I have an '86 Ford E250
>that just failed inspection for
>steering wheel lash. Is
>it the steering box or
>something else causing it?(too much
>play in the wheel)

What I did on Old Red was to take the jack out from under the hood and raise up one of the front wheels. I grabbed the wheel and jiggled it side to side, watching the tie rod. I noticed one of the joints was worn out, so I made an appointment with a repair shop, and they replaced the tie rod, and the passenger side ball joints, and gave it an alignment. My steering is tight.

I did have a 1931 Ford Model AA one and a half ton, the steering was very loose on that. I took the worm gear out of the steering sector and had a guy take a welder and fill in the worn spots, then I took a grinder and smoothed off the welds. The old truck steered just fine after that.

>
> I disconnected the kickdown rod
>to my trans. Will
>this do any permanent damage
>to the trans?

I've had a couple old cars where the kickdown didn't work on it, that didn't hurt a thing, the car just didn't want to pass other cars on a two lane as well, so I didn't pass anybody, I still got there !!!

>
>Thanks for any help

your welcome !


LeRoy Wolff, original owner of
1984 Ford F150
300 six 3 speed with overdrive
optional dual rusted out fenders
truck's nick name "Old Red"