No drunk monkeys!

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 28, 2006 | 08:16 PM

Code3

Thread Starter

Elder User

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 966

Likes: 1

From: Too far north of I-10

No drunk monkeys!

Hey folks! I was just wondering when the steering starts to show signs of play in these old trucks. Is it a mileage thing, a time thing, or a combination of the 2? The reason I ask is because I have absolutely no play in the stock steering setup of my newly acquired '60. The seller said the 35.9k miles on it are all original. I may be a little more inclined to believe him now, unless there's a possibility I overlooked something.

Jun 28, 2006 | 08:48 PM

3Mike6

Postmaster

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 4,172

Likes: 1

From: Oakdale,Ca.

Really depend on how it was driven and under what conditions.

I/e a 100K mile highway truck would probably have less play that a ranch truck with 10K miles on it.

Jun 28, 2006 | 09:14 PM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 27,303

Likes: 1,062

From: NM

Also depends on whether it was greased regularly. My experience in the West is that grit gets in the grease and grinds it to pieces, so it is more of a function of time than mileage. Regular re-greasing pushes out the grit.

Jun 28, 2006 | 10:14 PM

51ford fan

Posting Guru

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 1,908

Likes: 2

From: Seattle WA.

Sounds like the PO took care of it

Jun 28, 2006 | 10:23 PM

raerjim

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 1,696

Likes: 1

From: S.W. Florida

Sounds to me like someone has adjusted all the gear lash out of the steering box in an effort to tighten it up to sell, and maybe gone too far.. hard to tell from here. LOL

Jun 29, 2006 | 12:43 PM

AXracer

Hotshot

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 15,882

Likes: 88

From: Durham NC

The worm and sector boxes are highly maintainance dependent, I'd recommend cleaning out the old, likely caked up lube out of it and put in fresh lube. The best way to tell if it's been tightened excessively to hide a worn out box is the disconnect the drag link and rotate the steering wheel from lock to lock. An over adjusted one will feel tight, notchy or grinding in the straight ahead area. It's likely your's is in good shape at that low milege if the truck has set for some time, but do re-lube it to keep it that way.

Jun 29, 2006 | 01:34 PM

Code3

Thread Starter

Elder User

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 966

Likes: 1

From: Too far north of I-10

Thanks for the input fellas. I just got my shop manual today...feels like christmas!

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Joe Kucinski

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Brett Foote

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Verdad Gallardo

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Joe Kucinski

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Brett Foote

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

Pouria Savadkouei

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Brett Foote

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Joe Kucinski

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Michael S. Palmer

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Verdad Gallardo

Jun 29, 2006 | 09:14 PM

raerjim

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 1,696

Likes: 1

From: S.W. Florida

I just re-read my post on this subject, something I probably should have done b4 hitting the "enter" button the first time. It looked like I am accusing someone of something shady,which I did not intend. I apologize.
Jim

Jun 29, 2006 | 10:46 PM

#10

Code3

Thread Starter

Elder User

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 966

Likes: 1

From: Too far north of I-10

Quote:

Originally Posted by raerjim

It looked like I am accusing someone of something shady,which I did not intend. I apologize.
Jim

Not needed. I used to sell new and used cars, so I've seen some shady stuff! I wouldn't be surprised if some POs do stuff like that. I'm just hoping that's not the case here. I don't think it is.