1977 Front End
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 183
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From: Toledo, OH
1977 Front End
I have a '77 F-250 that you have to literally move your hands left to right and back to keep the truck on the road. There is a ton of play in the steering wheel. The guy I bought it from took it out mudding all the time and said that most of the front end was probably shot. I know someone locally who is scrapping out their '78 F-250. Other than ball joints, and tie rods, which I'll buy new, is there anything I should try to get from him cheap before it's gone? (I believe my transfer case is good, but maybe not.) Thanks!
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Shelby Ohio
As you make have problems with your front end also consider the slop you may have in your steering geer box. Also If you are going to replace the ball joints you might as well spend a little more money on outer tie rods drag links and whatever else you will need. New parts are always better then used but it doesn't hurt to have the used ones for back up. If you feel like spending the money get new u joints up front as well. I use spicer. they are the best in my opinion i cant keep the junk advanced one in there. Its easier to replace it all at once then a little at a time
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 89
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From: trailer park
Be carefull if you adjust the preload screw on top of the steering box, I have been told by several good mechanics that this ( if not done properly ) will destroy your steering box
Imo: grab the box off the other truck if any good.
Imo: grab the box off the other truck if any good.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Wouldn't all this depend on whether it's a late or early model 77? The early model would be a highboy style and would have the hydraulic assist steering, where a late model 77 would have the same style as the 78. If it's an early 77 you should probably steal the box from the 78 and put it on there! There's a thing in the tech section of this website about upgrading the early steering.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Toledo, OH
The truck is tall, but I don't believe it is a high boy. I'm pretty sure the guy that sold it to me said he put a 4" lift on it. I got the truck, a bed full of spare parts, and 36" swampers for $350 
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
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I realize cheap is cheap, but your money might be better spent on new ball joints, tie rods, and bushings. You can get horrible steering just from the cheapy rag joint being bad. Of course, everything compounds, so a little slop at each part can add up to really bad steering.
I have adjusted a bunch of steering boxes, and all I do is very gently wiggle the steering wheel and slowly crank the adjuster down. You want the tires to twitch slightly as you rock it back and forth. Do this with the engine off.
Most importantly, POST SOME PICTURES
(I love them)
I have adjusted a bunch of steering boxes, and all I do is very gently wiggle the steering wheel and slowly crank the adjuster down. You want the tires to twitch slightly as you rock it back and forth. Do this with the engine off.
Most importantly, POST SOME PICTURES
(I love them)
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by JKessler00
The truck is tall, but I don't believe it is a high boy. I'm pretty sure the guy that sold it to me said he put a 4" lift on it. I got the truck, a bed full of spare parts, and 36" swampers for $350
Steering shaft and coupler is the correct term for 4WD.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Dec 1, 2007 at 08:22 AM.