Complete Steering Column Replacement?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 22
From: Florence, SC
Complete Steering Column Replacement?
I have a 1985 Ford F150 that needs a new steering column. I ran into a cement pole reinforcement, and completely DESTROYED the steering gear box. I replaced the steering gear and the entire front steering components (tie rods, etc.) I still have some wandering on the road, so I had my trusted mechanic check it out for me and line it up. He checked it out and told me the rag joint was ok, but the ENTIRE steering column is loose, and it needs to be completely replaced. I have been trying to locate a steering assembly in a junkyard, but have been unsuccessful. I have been told only the years from '81-'86 F150-F350 would work. And for some reason, it has to be tilt wheel and AOD equipped.
My question is, what parts do I EXACTLY need to replace? My local Ford dealer can still get the upper and lower steering shafts, are those what my mechanic meant when he said I need to replace the ENTIRE steering column?
My question is, what parts do I EXACTLY need to replace? My local Ford dealer can still get the upper and lower steering shafts, are those what my mechanic meant when he said I need to replace the ENTIRE steering column?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
If the rag joint did not get destroyed that is almost no chance the column itself was damaged. If it is loose with age, then it is the bearings, not the shafts, at fault.
I would look at the steering box (especially a so called "rebuilt" one) being the source of wandering.
It would pay, literally, for you to put the vehicle up on jack stands and look for the looseness yourself.
I have seen over the years sloppy steering causes by people simply not aligning the TTB front end correctly.
I would check for broken rubber at the radius arm ends.
I would look at the steering box (especially a so called "rebuilt" one) being the source of wandering.
It would pay, literally, for you to put the vehicle up on jack stands and look for the looseness yourself.
I have seen over the years sloppy steering causes by people simply not aligning the TTB front end correctly.
I would check for broken rubber at the radius arm ends.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 22
From: Florence, SC
Thanks for responding, Rebocardo.
How do I re-check the steering gear box? How do I know if I got a bad rebuilt one? WHO MAKES A GOOD REBUILT STEERING GEAR?
I had a trusted mechanic look at it for me. The truck has 170K miles on it. In the last year, I have replaced, all MOTORCRAFT parts:
Steering gear box
Power Steering Pump
Tie Rods
Drag Links
Adjusting Sleeves
Upper and Lower Ball Joints
4 New Tires
Radius Arm Bushings
Axle Pivot Bushings
With that, I had it balanced and aligned, TWICE. It is 2wd, so it has twin I-Beam suspension, not ttb. The steering gear box was checked out and it is fine. The rag joint is fine, believe it or not. I was told the problem was with the steering column itself. When I hit the cement pole, I was turning the wheel to the left, and the front bumper and tire caught the pole and I end up with the steering wheel facing one way and the tires in the other direction. It hit so hard I completely twisted the splines on the steering gear. The old truck held together, but the steering was shot. That is why I replaced EVERYTHING I could think of, and I just don't know what else it could be?
How do I re-check the steering gear box? How do I know if I got a bad rebuilt one? WHO MAKES A GOOD REBUILT STEERING GEAR?
I had a trusted mechanic look at it for me. The truck has 170K miles on it. In the last year, I have replaced, all MOTORCRAFT parts:
Steering gear box
Power Steering Pump
Tie Rods
Drag Links
Adjusting Sleeves
Upper and Lower Ball Joints
4 New Tires
Radius Arm Bushings
Axle Pivot Bushings
With that, I had it balanced and aligned, TWICE. It is 2wd, so it has twin I-Beam suspension, not ttb. The steering gear box was checked out and it is fine. The rag joint is fine, believe it or not. I was told the problem was with the steering column itself. When I hit the cement pole, I was turning the wheel to the left, and the front bumper and tire caught the pole and I end up with the steering wheel facing one way and the tires in the other direction. It hit so hard I completely twisted the splines on the steering gear. The old truck held together, but the steering was shot. That is why I replaced EVERYTHING I could think of, and I just don't know what else it could be?
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