83 Bronco Steering Problem

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Jan 5, 2002 | 10:10 PM

DarkrhaveN

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Joined: Jan 2002

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From: Stamford United States

83 Bronco Steering Problem

Okay, I've got an 83 Bronco with a horrible handling problem, its all over the road I've heard of steering stablizer kits, but never ever saw one ever. I wanted to know where I could find one of these and how much it would cost to install one, Also my 83 has a bad blowby problem on the manifold that I'm not sure how to correct without chaning the motor entirely Please if anyone can help me with these two problems, I'd sure appreciate it.

Jan 6, 2002 | 01:58 AM

Big Bronco Boy

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83 Bronco Steering Problem

Here is a site with a bunch of these, its a good resource on parts and prices.
But you might want to check the bushings arround there, I heard the poly bushings are like another car compared to the rubber ones.

Jan 6, 2002 | 07:28 AM

SBV1

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From: Round Rock USA

83 Bronco Steering Problem

Did the bad handling start all of a sudden? Did you change something and it started or has it been happening over time? It could be a lot of things with the suspension. How many miles on the vehicle? Could be time for some work.

Jan 6, 2002 | 06:39 PM

skipper

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Joined: Dec 2000

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From: Coopersville

83 Bronco Steering Problem

I had a similar problem with the steering on my '83. The tie rods and bushings were all new and I had no idea what the problem was. After the power steering went out I found that it was the power steering box. It could either be that or the steering column. You can check by looking under the hood while having someone turn the steering wheel. If the steering wheel can be moved without the power steering box turning you know it will probably be in the steering shaft. If the steering wheel turns the power steering gearbox without the tires turning then your gearbox is probably bad. Check your tie rods and bushings first,though. Forget the steering stabilizer it will only cover up the problem, not fix it.

Jan 6, 2002 | 06:58 PM

cyberdr2

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From: Vancouver USA

83 Bronco Steering Problem

The first thing I would suggest is getting under the truck and inspecting the bushings. Take a look at the radius arm bushing(this is the triangular shaped bracket connected to the front axle and mounts to the frame just under the driver and passenger doors)to see if they are worn or flat. Any movement in this area will cause wandering at high speeds. Next jack up the front, and with your hands at 12 and 6 o'clock check for movement in the wheel. If there is movement, this may indicate a bad ball joint. Next put your hands at 9 and 3 o'clock on the wheel and see if you have any side to side movement. If there is it could be possible that there is a bent or loose tie rod. Here is another thread on front ends it has a lot of good info.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/bigbronco/1521.html
Let us know what you find. Good Luck.

Jan 7, 2002 | 10:29 AM

DarkrhaveN

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From: Stamford United States

83 Bronco Steering Problem

I took it to one mechanic, he was supposedly a Ford specialist, best mechanic to ever come out of a ford school, and he said it wasn't worth fixing, but I said "Bag that!"

I'm not gunna just ignore a problem like that, and nobody can ever figure out what was wrong with it, I'm definately going to check the ball joints, bushings, power steering unit and the other things people suggested, I definately want to change tires and RIMS because I got these nasty white rims that resemble a plastic like material that wont come clean EVER!

I dont know if they're factory or what but they're freaking nasty, I'm probably going to order rims from American racing or something. I also am going to have it aligned soon and have someone check the camber and adjust that too whenever I get this done.
Thank you to all who replied with helpful comments n stuff, I really appreciate it.

Jan 7, 2002 | 02:20 PM

cyberdr2

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From: Vancouver USA

83 Bronco Steering Problem

By the way if it winds up being a ball joint and you feel you want to do it yourself...do a search and type in "ball joints". You will find info there on a press to use on extracting the ball joints that makes the job much easier. Please post what you find so we can benefit from your experience. Good luck!!!