I have a 1975 F-150 custom 4x4 with the "power assist cylinder" power steering setup (vs. an actual power steering box). I have very little knowledge of this and have found few that know anything of it. The problems that I am facing are a considerable amount of play in the steering wheel and tough steering (in the order of manual steering). I have gone through the system, the pump, valve, and cylinder all being new. The steering gear box is in good condition, and the play in the steering seems to be coming from the inline valve tie-rod setup. I would really like to tighten up the steering or to know if the problems I am facing are inherent of the setup or denote an actual problem. Any help would be appreciated.

 

 

man for all the money you have spent on all these new parts you could have gotten a regular power steering setup with all the arms and stuff

that would be your best bet

for tighting up what you have

do this

take off the tie rod and with your hand wiggle the ends if there loose feeling then its the tie rod ends

also check the rubber ont he steering shaft where it conncts to the gear box...have someone turn while you watch the rubber peace and see if the play is there

if all esle fails then its either the steering sector or the valve/arm

 

also do this

jack both front tires off the ground

put right hand top of tire and left on bottom
jiggle it if it moves then check your bearing and also your ball joints

if its tight that way then put right hand on right side of tire and left hand on left side and jiggle

if it moves look around and find the play

i cant think of anything else right off hand but iof do ill post again

 

alinement and front end has been checked... all in good shape.

I am intrigued by the swap out you mention though... will a power box bolt in?

 

For what it is worth. I am in the long process of rebuilding/restoring a 75 4X4. I had a lot of play in steering also. When I replaced the inline valve assembly it removed almost all of it.
Tom