Steering Problems on a 90 Bronco

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Aug 20, 2001 | 06:34 AM

spigot

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Steering Problems on a 90 Bronco

I bought the truck with a 6in ranco lift and over the last 6 months the steering play has gotten worse and worse. It's finally at the point where I really need to do something about it. Are there any aftermarket steering setups that I should look at? 95% of all the driving it sees is on-road. Last month I had my tires rotated and ballanced and my alignment checked, but that didn't help much, so there has got to be something wrong with something else.

Thanks,
Matt Morton

Aug 20, 2001 | 06:41 AM

fast freddie

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From: gulf coast

Steering Problems on a 90 Bronco

Good luck...My 1991 EB wonders all over the road. I too have had the front end checked for allignment and worn parts. All check good but the problem persist. Will be interested to see what you find.

Aug 20, 2001 | 06:54 AM

spigot

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Steering Problems on a 90 Bronco

wandering I can deal with, the problem is there is no consistancy as to when the wheels are actually going to turn. For the most part (+or-)5deg from center I could live with, the problem is that the number keeps changing. One min I'll turn the steering wheel 7deg and the wheels will turn a little, the next min 7deg won't even turn the wheels.

I need more feedback from the system also, I don't mind putting a little more effort into turning the wheel, if I can feel what the tires are doing on the road.( I don't drive with one hand, and I have no need to be able to do a U turn with my index finger)

Matt Morton

Aug 20, 2001 | 06:44 PM

alpo23

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Steering Problems on a 90 Bronco

Take a look at Superlift's 'Superrunner Steering System'. They claim it fixes the inherent problems with the stock tie rod/drag link system when lifted. Just look in any 4x4 Magazine for an ad. Good luck.
Eric

Proud owner of a '73 F-250 4x4 High Boy, 460 V8, NP435, NP205, Dana 60 rear w/Detroit Locker
And a '68 Bronco 289 v8 , NP435 , Dana 20

Aug 23, 2001 | 08:36 PM

tratrex

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Steering Problems on a 90 Bronco

A couple of things to check should be your 1) drop down axel pivot brackets... they can work loose due to increased leverage (have a buddy turn the wheels lock to lock and look for movement.2)Also your radius arm bushings.3)A cross over steering arm setup works wonders.And finally, your pump might be going south and only giving you intermitten pressure.

good luck

Aug 24, 2001 | 02:36 PM

honney

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Steering Problems on a 90 Bronco

Tie rods are the obvious culprit(s). Often overlooked is the steering box (there's an adjustment nut on top but only turn it about 1/4 turn at at time) and the rag joint in the steering shaft (Autozone sells a replacement rag joint in the Help section for $10 or if you've won the lottery you can buy a Flaming River or Borgeson replacement steering shaft that uses a u-joint rather than a rag joint). I have the Superrunner Steering (soon to be for sale!) and it's certainly an improvement over stock. . . still doesnt' drive like rack and pinion (it's a truck!), but much more responsive than stock. Still, check everything stock BEFORE forking out the big cash for anything aftermarket.

Aug 24, 2001 | 08:00 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

Steering Problems on a 90 Bronco

I had never heard of this before, till it happened to a guy I know who had a 85 Bronco. He did not have a good steering feel and when he let go of the steering wheel, it would not return to center properly. After much head scratching, he found out his ball joints were corroded to the point where they would not turn freely. He used penetrating oil to loosen them up, and the problem went away.

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Oct 1, 2001 | 05:24 PM

billburgboy

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Steering Problems on a 90 Bronco

I had the same problem. The culprit turned out to be the same as "franklin2"s post- the ball joints at the end of the tie rods were corroded. It was apparently hard to diagnose. Eventually my mechanic told me that he originally tested the tie rods while the truck was on a lift but he could'nt see anything wrong. It was'nt until he detached one tie rod at atime and set the truck ON THE GROUND could he figure out where the problem was. Whaterver he did he found it and fixed it, but only after I spent months trying to figure out the problem (and spending $300 for a new steering box). Got new schocks too, my 93 drives like a newbie.

Oct 19, 2001 | 12:23 AM

#10

Riso79

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Steering Problems on a 90 Bronco

I'm sure that you have solved the problem by now but i have the same problem. I my steering is getting worse, and i get a clunking noise from the front end. Everything is tight, new bushings, i even pulled the springs and put in some coil isolaters to see if they were making the clunking noise when i truned. After all this, i think that the noise is caused by the tie rod ends. i am going to look into the Superlift steering but i don't see how it can be much better than the original set-up. i have seen it on a truck before and the owner said it was just "all right" So if you can tell me what you did to solve yuor problem i would be greatful. Any comments on the Superlift steering.