An update: was having steering problems while reversing, was told it could be the kingpin knuckle. Is anyone familiar with the replacement cost/amount of work involved? It's on a 1982 250 light duty. Would like to do the work myself, just need to know what's involved. Any help or just thoughts on the subject greatly appreciated. Also, any good ideas on body repair, truck has lots of rust holes, most are only the size of a quarter or smaller.
Thanks,
J

 

Get a shop manual for your truck.

All kinds of info on how to fix what's wrong.

A lot of stuff you can fix yourself instead of paying a shop to fix it.

Money saved.

 

It could be many things!
I will suggest taking the truck to a competent mechanic and getting their opinion on what is wrong and the repair involved.
And like Sierraben suggests, obtain a repair manual for your truck from an automotive parts store. It will provide you with a wealth of knowledge!
While you are at the parts store ask the counter person about rust repair tips on fixing your trucks body. I'm sure they will be full of suggestions!!!
Good luck!
Steve G.

 

Thanks. I have a repair manual, first thing I bought! I have a mechanic coming to check it out this week, just seeing if anyone had messed with these. Tempted to just do a straight-axle conversion, but don't have the cash right now.
Thanks again. I'll let you know what happens.
J

 

The biggest thing you will need if it is kingpin related is a kingpin press. I have changed a few in my time from a 57 F100 up to a 93 GMC 3500HD wrecker. I can tell you this, they aren't fun to do.

 

Alright, previously wrote about steering problem. Not the problem, more of an extreme toe in problem. I have owned Fords before so I know there is always a slight toe in while reversing, but this is to the point that the tires kind of drag. They rotate some, but not like they should. The steering stabilizer and shocks all need to be replaced, but it seems that there is a larger problem at hand. It is an 82 F250 with TTB front end(I think), lots of rust (sat for the past six months outside, just picked it up from my brother.) It turns fine when going forward, and there is no toe in while moving forward. Any other thoughts, or is it just the above stuff? Checked for play in the wheel, and there is none, so the knuckles seem good, as well as the tie rod ends and upper and lower ball joints. Very Frustrating, but never worked on any car that didn't have some sort of frustrating problem. Also previously thought it may be the Kingpin bolt.
Any help would be great. I have a shop manual and a mechanic that's gonna look at it, but I'd like to know if I can do anything before he looks at it, to save him some time. Thanks in advance.
JJ

 

TTB front ends, and even the previous live axle used ball joints upper and lower. I would take a real hard look at the radius rods, both ends. Also, if it is the TTB setup, check the inner pivot bushings.

 

Thanks for the info, I will check those out. Appreciate the help!
JJ