Something is wrong with my frontend. My truck is a 71 f100 2wd and has always as long as I can remember(I'm 28) been a wonderer, and has a good deal of "play" in the steering. Now I have a new problem. When I turn the wheel while driving it seems really unstable in the front. Almost as if the lug nuts are loose and the rims are actually moving on the hubs. The wheels are not loose and I'm kinda scared to drive this thing right now. My front tires lean in at the top like the camber may be out in them don't know if this has any affect.

 

While I'm no expert on the 71's? (heck, doing a 75 now and I'm relearning most of the stuff I've forgotten) Sounds like either the 'rag joint' (steering coupler) has failed...or the steering gear box has worn out.

Here's what ya can do to check things out. And get a helper to lend a hand. Because you're going to need to visually check the coupler (easy enough)...and I'd urge having someone turn the steering wheel Left-Right-Right-Left..and check for play in the steering linkage just to ensure something is not getting ready to let loose on you. If all the linkage is nice and tight? Have a helper again turn the wheel and observe the 'input' to the steering box--and see how long it takes for the pitman arm to turn. If someone turns the wheel in the truck, and the coupler is 'good'? The steering arm (pitman arm) from the steering gear box should begin to do it's thing within a matter of a couple of degrees.

If someone is turning the wheel, and they have to really turn it quite a bit before the pitman arm reacts? The steering box is worn, and will need to be either replaced or adjusted. (if it's that bad however? I'd replace it with a rebuilt one with new gears)

Also the usual checks. Mounting hardware for the gear box...basic suspension check to ensure nothing is outta wack.

Hang loose, as I do not know everything LOL...and others should lend their input to help out.

S-

 

A front end alignment by a quality independent front end shop...(not some gypo chain store joint), will go a long way to solving steering issues.

Take it to one of those shops for a complete diagnosis.

It's difficult at best to know what wrong, by posting questions of parts one can't see. It could be everything from a worn tie rod end to a cracked frame where the steering gear box bolts on.

Yes, that happened back then and still occurs today. The bolts come loose, and round out the holes in the frame. The gear then moves around...and sooner or later, that'll cause the frame to crack.

Wandering could be caused by tires that are either underinflated or defective.

The front tires should be identical ...the same make and tread pattern.

Mixing front tires will cause all sort of problems.

btw: Steering coupling: C9UZ-3A525-A ~ fits 1969/74 F100/250 2WD w/ or w/o P/S // 1969/74 F350 w/ or w/o P/S // 1975 F100/350 2WD without P/S.

Still available from Ford.

From FTE sponsor DIRECT FORD PARTS = Suggested retail price: $75.00 / FTE member net: $53.01.

 

thanks guys I was just sure I was going to be pointed toward the king pins being worn, but I just thought that sounded good.

 

JRandalls: It's easy to point and say "There's your problem". But as stated? Without seeing it first hand??? Ehhh...really can't do any more then give you a good starting point of things to check. That's why we suggested having a full checkup of the steering/suspension check on the front end done to pin point exactly what the problem is. Far to many times on other help forums I see people always saying "Buy and Install this part--it will fix it". And more times then not? The user has just spent $$ replaceing a working part. I personally hate/loth/have a seething hate/insert word here...for people that just drag out a wheel barrow full of parts over, and start changing things out. LOL.

And this is where quite a few newer repair shops fall on their faces. The art of listening to a complaint from the customer, looking with the 5 senses, and understanding the workings of each system used on a car/truck... It's an art form that many people just do not understand. Kinda like the "Rush It" mindset. Get 'er in...Get 'er out...Get paid. Comes back and bites ya in the fanny if you spend $$$ on the wrong parts due to mis-diag. work.

So take the suggestions for what they are worth. Many of us have had issues in the past that mimic the problems you are having. Could it be the same issue? Perhaps? It's worth inspecting and checking--but with everything so inter-related that COULD cause your issue? We can tell you what we 'think' the problem could be (such as me with the rag-joint/coupler and steering box)... But check before hand and see if the problem is that---or something else.

And of course--when you do get this sorted out? Please let us know what the problem is/was. When we have more to go on? We can do a better job at lending a hand---and it also gives us more ideas to work on for the next time we see the problem(s) come up.

Best Regards!

S-

 

I had the same type of "wandering" in the front end of my truck with unusual wear on the tires, thought I had front end problems, all it was is that my tires had seperated and were causing all the problems. New set of tires solved the problem, now it drives good as ever.

 

Thanks for all the advice, and being staight up. I can't afford to replace everything and I appreciate the caution and not being led in the wrong direction. My front tires are in prety bad shape and maybe the only prob. I will give more info when I find out the prob. Thanks again. Jason