Hey all,
I posted this in the steering and suspension forum but got no response. Going to try it here:

I have a 1980 F-150 4x4 flareside that had a home-made 3" body lift on it. This past weekend, I removed the steel blocks and lowered the cab back to the old, degraded factory mounts. I re-adjusted the tranny shift linkage (c-6), and thought I had loosened the steering column bolts enough to unbind it. Maybe I havent loosened them enough. Now I am noticing the ps pump "moaning and groaning" when I turn the steering wheel only a little bit. It didn't do this before. It almost sounds as if the pump is low on fluid, but it isn't.
Did I miss loosening something when I lowered the body? I'll be replacing the cab mount bushings with new ones this weekend, so any advice would be appreciated.

Other info that may help:

3" or 4" suspension lift
steering stabilizer (2 shocks)
factory 15 x 8 rims
31 by 10.5 goodrich AT tires

UPDATE: I have the factory bushing set and will be starting on it in the morning
Thanks,

DS

 

Sounds like the problem is definately in the steering column alignment. Look for a bracket attached to the firewall that has been replaced or moved. A 3 inch body lift will probably require moving the steering column, so check that it is near the stock location. Also, check that the mounting to the dash board is original. I had to not only grind the firewall to lower the column, but also modify the mount to the dash to move the column closer to the box. It may be best if you completely unbolt the column from the dash and firewall, with it free, line up and reinstall the bolts. If you can't get the bolts in, then you will have to fix the alignment problem.

 

Thanks for the reply toyscout2,
I'll get on it after I finish my coffee.

DS