Steering gear is flexing frame...
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Steering gear is flexing frame...
Hey guys, recently had a buddy of mine turn the wheel hard left and right (Engine off - '79 2WD PS) and I noticed that the frame appears to flex. We both thought a reinforcement bracket would help. Any of you try this out or notice the flexing? I just installed a new gear and didn't notice any cracks....
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From: Inthepast
Steering gear is flexing frame...
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Something doesn't sound right. I also wonder whether it is good to turn the wheel back and forth with the engine off. I think I have heard that it could introduce air into the PS system. Not too sure on that though because I have "armstrong" brand steering on mine. If you are convinced there is frame flex, the bracket you are talking about would probably help. I would probably want to again carefully inspect the frame in that area for stress cracks before I put any kind of reinforcement on bracket there.
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Something doesn't sound right. I also wonder whether it is good to turn the wheel back and forth with the engine off. I think I have heard that it could introduce air into the PS system. Not too sure on that though because I have "armstrong" brand steering on mine. If you are convinced there is frame flex, the bracket you are talking about would probably help. I would probably want to again carefully inspect the frame in that area for stress cracks before I put any kind of reinforcement on bracket there.
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Steering gear is flexing frame...
We just fixed my buddies truck about three weeks ago for a similar problem. His steering box had cracked a chunk out of the frame about 8 inches across, and broken one of the bolts off in the box. We took a piece of 3/8" steel, about 7"x12", drilled a couple of holes in it, and bolted it to the frame using the original bolts from the steering box. You may have to relocate the brake line bracket also. This quick-fix has been working well since then. The steering is more responsive, and solid.
If you don't have a welder, this is the best fix for your time (about 2 hours) and money (free from the scrap metal bin at work).
tc
7? 4x4 beast
79 f-100 2wd (ugly, but dependable)
If you don't have a welder, this is the best fix for your time (about 2 hours) and money (free from the scrap metal bin at work).
tc
7? 4x4 beast
79 f-100 2wd (ugly, but dependable)
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From: Gainesville, FL
Steering gear is flexing frame...
Tetra,
I've seen this more than once. Is the frame yielding/deforming where the bolts penetrate the frame. The frame deflects/deforms at that point on the outside/outboard where the bolts go through the frame. Sometimes large thick washers will do it, if there are no cracks. If there are cracks, drill 1/4" holes at the end of the cracks and weld them shut, then place a plate/bracket across the frame in this area. The ideology about this repair should be "pay me now, pay me later" Later, if your lucky enough to survive poor judgement. The failure is a serious one.
Good Luck, Have Fun,
KingFisher
P.S. By allowing the gear box to flex back and forth, allows the bolts to shear after a number of cycles. Eliminate the deflection, eliminate the problem.
I've seen this more than once. Is the frame yielding/deforming where the bolts penetrate the frame. The frame deflects/deforms at that point on the outside/outboard where the bolts go through the frame. Sometimes large thick washers will do it, if there are no cracks. If there are cracks, drill 1/4" holes at the end of the cracks and weld them shut, then place a plate/bracket across the frame in this area. The ideology about this repair should be "pay me now, pay me later" Later, if your lucky enough to survive poor judgement. The failure is a serious one.
Good Luck, Have Fun,
KingFisher
P.S. By allowing the gear box to flex back and forth, allows the bolts to shear after a number of cycles. Eliminate the deflection, eliminate the problem.
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Steering gear is flexing frame...
I reinspect the frame when it stops raining...if I do install a bracket, what do you guys suggest I do to compensate for the steering gear to column shaft mis-alignement. I assume a bracket will push the gear toward the engine a slight amount, enough to mess with how it aligns with the steering wheel shaft....hmmm..
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