'79f150 loose steering
New User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 4
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'79f150 loose steering
my '79 f-150 has loose steering. it has power steering, and normal sized tires, so i expect normal steering is possible. i've never driven another truck of the same year, so i'm not sure what is possible. i'm used to it now, but when other people drive it, they tell me how wicked it is. the power steering seems to work fine, although it creaks. the problem is there is almost 2 or more inches of steering wheel play before it begins steering. is there something loose or worn out that would cause this. it's driveable, but i'm always looking to make it nicer. thanks,
jesse
jesse
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 83
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From: Decatur
'79f150 loose steering
Sounds like the steering box is getting worn. A good rebuilt one will run ~$250.
I'd take it in & have the front-end checked first, though, to make sure you don't have anything severely worn that may be contributing to or causing the slack, but I'm confident the steering box will end up being the guilty party.
I'd take it in & have the front-end checked first, though, to make sure you don't have anything severely worn that may be contributing to or causing the slack, but I'm confident the steering box will end up being the guilty party.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
'79f150 loose steering
I just went through this same thing with my 79 F-150. RangerBill is right about the steering box! I tried adjusting mine to no avail.I also had replaced every bushing and joint in the front end. I bought a new rebuilt steering box for $275, and OH MY GOD! There is absolutely no play in it at all now! I about flipped it the first time I drove it (expecting to fight the "play" that was no longer there! Now the cops don't pull me over for "weaving". LOL Oh, about the power steering- I think this is a thing for these trucks- I put a new power steering pump on, too, and it always makes a little whine noise.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
'79f150 loose steering
Jesse, I have a gear that should be in good shape but the pump part on top is bad. If you are interested in the lower part email me below.
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John
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In the cool still quiet of night, you can hear chevies rusting away.
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John
jowilker email me
[link:www.ford-trucks.com/users/jowilker|My Club FTE Page] Member since 01 01
[link:www.ford-trucks.net/users/jowilker/NCFTE.html|NCFTO] North Carolina Ford Truck Owners Group
In the cool still quiet of night, you can hear chevies rusting away.
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