Steering Box Question

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Dec 5, 2002 | 07:53 PM

Wrecker

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Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 207

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From: Brockport USA

Steering Box Question

I Put plates on my Truck Today, and drove it down the road for the first time (Owned it 2 years). Seems the steering is sloppy, The truck wants to go left, then right. I have some play in the steering (3 or 4 inches). Could it be the Steering Box? How do check it, and if it is, are they hard to replace? Junk yard parts OK?

Thanks
Wrecker

1979 F250 Supercab 4x4 Towtruck 400CI 4 Speed

Dec 5, 2002 | 08:43 PM

Mike W

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Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 7,157

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From: Central Kali

Steering Box Question

If you have a rag joint between the steering box and the column, it is probably bad. Check it first.

Dec 6, 2002 | 02:49 AM

Torque1st

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Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 30,255

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Steering Box Question

To make the TIB system work everything has to be tight. Straight axles like yours are not quite as bad but spring bushings can go. I believe there are rebuilt steering boxes available. Junkyard parts are probably in the same condition as yours. Many times the junk yard operator will see a good tight box come in and pull it for their own use :-( I assume you have checked the tie rod ends etc. The rag joint is a good point to check. Sometimes the box can be adjusted per specs if the unit is not worn badly.

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Dec 6, 2002 | 04:03 PM

Wrecker

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Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 207

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From: Brockport USA

Steering Box Question

Found the Problem. Its the Coupling Assembly. Looks like a small Universal. Its Shot. If I undo the Coupling bolts on both the top
and bottom shafts, will the whole coupling Assembly slide off the shafts? Do the replacment parts come as one unit?

Thanks
Wrecker

1979 F250 Supercab 4x4 Towtruck 400CI 4 Speed

Dec 6, 2002 | 05:17 PM

templar77

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Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 5

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From: Rome USA

Steering Box Question

I have a 77 F-100 and it was sloppy too, I changed the rag coupling and the steering box, about a 100.00 from auto parts store and about 1.5 hours, its not hard just heavy.