Steering box question.

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Dec 13, 2007 | 09:16 PM

KyleG

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Steering box question.

Hi, I took my 86' F-250 over to get the front end aligned, because I could see it and feel the imbalence, but the guy said I couldn't get it aligned because the steering box had too much play in it (but he also said the front end was tight). Does this make sense to anybody? Also I have been having some brake problems, It was hopping and jerking when I applied good pressure on the pedal, but they work great other than that. I also have a U-Joint on the front right that has alot of play in it that I will be replacing soon. It just doesn't make much sense to me, can anyone help with some info? If I have to I will buy a new steering box...and while I am doin that I will put a turbo on i have lined up for it.

Dec 13, 2007 | 10:10 PM

ford trans tech

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there is no reason the front end cannot be aligned due to play in the steering gear it doesnt affect the alignent only thing is it will cause it to road walk like an alignment issue due to the internal slack , there is one external adjustment on the sector shaft

Dec 13, 2007 | 10:20 PM

speedrdr

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From: Mississippi

there is an adjustment to the gearbox, but be cautioned that if the gearbox is just worn out and you tighten it up too much, there's a possibility that you can cut the steering shaft into (did it on a 70 bronco) and it's NOT pretty at highway speeds. makes for extremely high pucker factor. as i understand it, pretty much anything ford makes from a ranger to a f-350 steering box will fit, so shouldn't be too much problem to fix.

speedrdr

Dec 14, 2007 | 08:05 AM

KyleG

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Is it hard or comlicated to adjust the steering box?

Dec 14, 2007 | 08:40 AM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

Some of the alignment places guarantee the vehicle to "drive correctly" when they get done with it. So if you say it "pulls to the right", then they will put it up on the rack and check the alignment, and if that's good they will mess with it some more and swap tires and then find out there is something wrong with one of the tires and let you know.

So the steering box would not hinder him from doing a proper alignment, but it would possibly cause you to bring it back because the steering is still "loose".

There is a large threaded stud sticking out of the top if the box with a locknut on it. With the wheels straight ahead, loosen the nut and turn the stud down just a little bit and road test it. You can keep going down, but if you go to far, the box will become stiff and hard to turn. If it still has play you probably need a new box.