Power Steering Box
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From: St. Libory
Power Steering Box
I have some pretty loose steering. I've been tightening the box up cautiously (little by little) and spent the $8 and a few hours cussing to replace the rag joint. Nothing seems to make a difference. I have a decent amount of play going into the box, but nothing coming off of the pitman arm. I hit a point where I can't seem to tighten it anymore. I have noticed no change over the past few months of going in about 1/4 turn incriments. Is it time to replace the 36 year old box? How much does it cost for a new one? What other years will interchange with mine? How about having this one rebuilt? Thanks guys
69 F-250 2wd and P/S
69 F-250 2wd and P/S
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From: St. Libory
Well I did do a search and looked through all of the results. Most of them were for manual to power, so that didn't do me much good, but I did find a few things that I want to try first. I also found out that I've got the Ford style box and can get a rebuilt one for ~$180 + core (according to Napa's website). How much do you think it would cost to have mine rebuilt? Also, what are the chances of finding a 67-79 with a good Ford box in it?
Thanks
Thanks
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: florida
I have a 72 f100 and always had really loose steering. I tightend the box a few times with no change. Two weeks ago I replaced the 3 parts of the steering arms and wow what a differance. It took about an hour and $250 bucks but it was a dramatic change. I really dont think I need to change the box now. Ther is a little play but not much. You might want to look into it.
later, jdog
later, jdog
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From: St. Libory
jdog- Good info, but I've already checked all that stuff. Sure they might be alittle loose (but not enough to notice) but all my play goes into the steering box......but not out. This is what leads me to believe that the problem is the box. I haven't had a chance to mess with it some more, but maybe this weekend I will. Thanks guys
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From: St. Libory
Chromepro, I looked at your ad and it sounds good, except I see that you're located in CA. Shipping may be a little rough!!! I'm just gonna look around here in NE and see what I can find. If I don't find anything I may spring for a new one.
Thanks guys
Thanks guys
Elder User
Joined: Nov 1999
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From: Anderson Northern Ca
Loose front end, the forgotten bushings
jseim 44,I fought my 72 F-250 front end for a long time.I replaced the tie rods,shocks and king pins with little help in keeping the front end from shaking.I finally got under the front end with a floor jack and watched the I-Beam ends where they bolt to the frame while a friend jacked it up.There was about a half an inch play on each side.I replaced them with poly bushings and have had no front end problems since.Make sure you don't damage the steel shells of the old bushings as you will need to reuse it with the new bushings. Hope this helps.
"bowties in the rearview mirror"
"bowties in the rearview mirror"
Last edited by Nod; Dec 22, 2005 at 07:26 PM. Reason: Title addition
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From: St. Libory
Yes, I do know that my radius rod bushings are probably 36 years old and need replaced.....but I have play that goes into the box and doesn't come out. That is what leads me to my conclusion. Right now the ol girl is tucked away in the shop keepin warm (the roads are too soft to drive it like it is....) so it's not like I have to have it fixed right away....just as I get parts and time. Thanks for the advice.
"my rearview mirror broke off and is laying on the dash"
"my rearview mirror broke off and is laying on the dash"
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: La Canada, CA
If you want to cure your Ford steering box problems once and for all and don't mind spending about $400, contact Tom Lee at Lee Manufacturing, Sun Valley, California. Tom is the steering box guru for racing in our area. Tom will fix the big problem with Ford boxes: the bushings wear out. He enlarges the bushing holes and installs needle bearings. Had mine done many years ago. Still steers like new after 70,000 miles. If you have large tires up front, they tend to wear out the bushings much faster.
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From: nevada
It sounds like your main prob is the box. But if everything else is 36 yrs old, it is all worn. Wear is a cumulative thing with front ends and steering systems. Lots of joints, bushings, etc. I would hang a steering stabilizer on there too, if it doesnt have one, or replace the shock. 2 yrs ago I paid $700 for a pwr steer kit from the guy in Iowa, and he sent me a junkyard box and pump with the kit. got my money back from him for the pump, but never heard from him about the box. So $175 more, and i was done with it. I wouldnt waste my time with a box from the yard.
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