Steering is very loose
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: sourthern NJ
Steering is very loose
I just bought a '93 Ranger 4x4 3.0/5spd w/153k. Runs strong and shifts smoothly. Only two issues are that the fuel gauge doesn't work (I'll read the 1000s of post on this subject before adding to them) and the steering has a lot of play that causes the truck to wander in the lane. The truck has new 31x10.5 tires which I guess could cause some of the play. Any suggestions on what I should try first to fix the looseness? Does a steering stabilizer eliminate steering drift? I'm going to get an alignment, but I doubt that has much to do with the play and more to do with why the truck pulls slightly right when braking. If I need to replace the bushings in the steering linkage does anyone know a good supplier?
Any suggestions and advice is greatly appreciated.<O
></O>
Greg<O
Any suggestions and advice is greatly appreciated.<O
></O>Greg<O
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,208
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When you take it in for an alignment they will tell you what is wrong with the front end and will want to replace it all and then some Be wary of what they tell you they like to sell parts. I would jack up the front end and start shaking tires and see what is loose if anything. If it is toed out to much it can wander.It can be wheel bearings, tie rod ends, pitman arm, idler arm , upper/lower ball joints, or the steering gear itself.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Grand Chute
You should do all the above first. Then if it still feels too loose you can tighten up the adjuster screw on the gearbox. Be very careful. It does not take much adjustment to make a difference. Its much better to turn in on small amounts then test drive, then it is to find out you went too far and try too back it off becacause when I found I went too far for some reason I could not back the screw out and I had to live with a really tight stearing wheel for awhile untill it "BROKE IN"
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Utah
Just a quick note here. For some reason, the Ranger is bad when it comes to the Collapsible Steering Column. Nearly every Ranger I have owned has had this problem.
Under the hood the column shaft has a slide in it. Have someone wiggle the steering wheel back and forth while you watch it. Chances are, you will find a lot of play in it. If it is bad, and I know this is not the right way to fix it, but a quick fix to see if it is the only problem is to drill it and put a bolt through it. If it takes out all your steering problems, then replace the shaft Assembly.
Under the hood the column shaft has a slide in it. Have someone wiggle the steering wheel back and forth while you watch it. Chances are, you will find a lot of play in it. If it is bad, and I know this is not the right way to fix it, but a quick fix to see if it is the only problem is to drill it and put a bolt through it. If it takes out all your steering problems, then replace the shaft Assembly.
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