1977 F250 steering problem
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1977 F250 steering problem
Hello,
We have had a problem with the truck for some time now. The truck for some reason turns very sharp right, but doesn't turn sharp enough left. Let me give you some history on the truck. The truck was in a minor accident probably 15 years ago, the front end hit a guard railing and the fender and bumper needed to be replaced. I don't recall, but I think maybe some of the steering linkages were bent, but maybe not. However, after the wreck the truck has never steered correctly. Also the steering wheel is not centered, probably off by a 1/2 to 2/3 turn. I have heard that maybe the shaft(s) in the steering box has bent or twisted and is causing this problem. Does this seem likely? Also, I think some parts were replaced in the steering, some linkages, and I remember one rod or drag link could be put on 2 different ways, but it either turned sharp left or right. The truck is also 2 wd.
Thank you
We have had a problem with the truck for some time now. The truck for some reason turns very sharp right, but doesn't turn sharp enough left. Let me give you some history on the truck. The truck was in a minor accident probably 15 years ago, the front end hit a guard railing and the fender and bumper needed to be replaced. I don't recall, but I think maybe some of the steering linkages were bent, but maybe not. However, after the wreck the truck has never steered correctly. Also the steering wheel is not centered, probably off by a 1/2 to 2/3 turn. I have heard that maybe the shaft(s) in the steering box has bent or twisted and is causing this problem. Does this seem likely? Also, I think some parts were replaced in the steering, some linkages, and I remember one rod or drag link could be put on 2 different ways, but it either turned sharp left or right. The truck is also 2 wd.
Thank you
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,594
Likes: 2
From: Southern Oregon USA
It is likely another part of the steering linkage is bent or the I beam has been bent or moved on the side that was hit. Are the tires square under the fenders? It's been a while since I've dealt with the 2wd steering. Is it possible that the drag link is misadjusted? Can't remember if they are adjustable or not.
Jason
Jason
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 17
From: Hesperia, CA
It definitely sounds like something is put back together wrong.
I would suggest that you put the wheels in the center, or straight ahead, position and drop the pitman arm off of the sector shaft and then run the steering box from lock to lock and count the turns. Then turn the steering wheel back half of the turns and see if the steering wheel is centered. If not, I would pull the steering wheel or the flex coupling and center the steering wheel. This should make the steering wheel so that half the turns from lock to lock would be the center position of the steering box. Then see if you can put the pitman arm back on with the wheels still centered.
It has been at least ten years since I have had the steering box out of my 77 and I can't remember if the sector shaft is keyed or not. If not, this should cure your problem. If it is then you have something major out of whack. Possibly they put the wrong drag link in. Give this a try and then report back. Maybe somebody will have some more helpful suggestions. Good luck.
I would suggest that you put the wheels in the center, or straight ahead, position and drop the pitman arm off of the sector shaft and then run the steering box from lock to lock and count the turns. Then turn the steering wheel back half of the turns and see if the steering wheel is centered. If not, I would pull the steering wheel or the flex coupling and center the steering wheel. This should make the steering wheel so that half the turns from lock to lock would be the center position of the steering box. Then see if you can put the pitman arm back on with the wheels still centered.
It has been at least ten years since I have had the steering box out of my 77 and I can't remember if the sector shaft is keyed or not. If not, this should cure your problem. If it is then you have something major out of whack. Possibly they put the wrong drag link in. Give this a try and then report back. Maybe somebody will have some more helpful suggestions. Good luck.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 314
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From: Van Isl, BC, Canada
That's funny, I've had the same thing in both my F250's now. But both have kinda been mutts. On first one the seals went in the power steering cylinder, and it'd been messed with already and wouldn't hold the C clip. My buddy next door happened to have one off a D44 from I think an F150. But it was longer/shorter, either way, can't remember. Anyway, so I tried swapping the whole drag link in. It worked perfectly, and the truck steer equal both ways after that.
So I'd have to also ask if they put the wrong drag link or power steering cylinder in.
So I'd have to also ask if they put the wrong drag link or power steering cylinder in.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,594
Likes: 2
From: Southern Oregon USA
Did you notice the problem after the accident, or after the parts were replaced? Were they replaced because of the accident?
Jason
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Postmaster
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From: Honkytonkville
It can't be the pitman arm because of what he ^^^^^^ said...... I had this problem on one of my trucks a while ago when I did a home alignment and couldn't get the steering wheel right so I just pulled it off and put it on straight LOL. was the steering wheel ever pulled?
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Thank everyone so far. Yeah, the pitman arm can only go on one way, we tried the turning the wheel and counting the turns blah blah, but it still is the same. I don't recall anything being bent, but I think something was replaced for good measure. We had the front end lined up, but they didn't want to do anything with the current problem. I can't get to the truck for a few weeks now. This will give me food for thought.
Thanks
ps My father believes this happen after the wreck, he remembers it steered find before, BTW, we bought the truck new in 1977, still rust free!
pps, I can't answer for sure if the steering wheel was ever taken off, I don't believe so....maybe
Thanks
ps My father believes this happen after the wreck, he remembers it steered find before, BTW, we bought the truck new in 1977, still rust free!
pps, I can't answer for sure if the steering wheel was ever taken off, I don't believe so....maybe
Last edited by 77-250; Apr 16, 2008 at 02:18 PM. Reason: added content
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 17
From: Hesperia, CA
I wonder if there is a possibility that there is a wheel stop in there that is keeping the wheel from turning all the way in the one direction.
Also I don't remember if the flex coupling is keyed onto the input shaft on the steering box. If it isn't it would be very easy to take the bolt out of it and turn the steering wheel straight and put the bolt back in. That would take care of the steering wheel alignment, but would do nothing for the shorter turning ratio on that one side.
Also I don't remember if the flex coupling is keyed onto the input shaft on the steering box. If it isn't it would be very easy to take the bolt out of it and turn the steering wheel straight and put the bolt back in. That would take care of the steering wheel alignment, but would do nothing for the shorter turning ratio on that one side.
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