Many of you have been following my resto. Another project to add to my list was to replace the steering components (i.e. Tie Rod ends, Drag links, adjustment sleeves, etc). I also have brand new spicer ball joints sitting in the box, but found that mine are still in great shape!

First - why do I want to replace all of the steering components? Lets just say that everytime I hit a bump, I was risking the lives of those on the road and my own personal safety. Sure enough I lifted the front end up and there was all kinds of play in the components. I placed my hands at 6 and 12 o'clock on the wheel and could not get the Ball Joints to budge! Game on..they were tight and in good shape.

This work was performed on an 86 fullsize Bronco -

A few pics of part numbers and parts:

Tie Rod Ends:


Adjustment Sleeves:


Drag Links:


1) First was to get the wheels as straight as possible while parked.
2) Remove the steering stablizer.


3) Next was to remove the Drag Link from the pitman arm. Remove the pin and then the castle nut. Next, flip the castle nut upside down and give it a smack with a 3lb sledge. I found I had to heat this one up to get it out.


4) Next remove the Tie Rod Ends..same process as above.


5) I next assembled the new Drag Links, Tie Rod Ends and adjustment sleeves leaving everything loose. Don't forget your zerk fitting and get some grease shot in there before complete assembly.



Here is the old and new next to each other:


6) Use the old assembly to serve as an example of how the new one will fit together.

7) Assembly is opposite of tear down. Torque setting for castle nuts is 52-70 ftlbs. Adjustment sleeves are to be torqued to 30-45 ftlbs. Don't forget your new pins for safety.




So I took it out for a test drive and found that the steering was tight and pulling. I straightened out the steering wheel and took another look underneath. I loosened my adjustment sleeves and moved the driver side wheel out and the passenger side wheel in. Took it for another drive and found it a whole lot more friendly. Now off to the shop for a front end alignment! Easy as pie boys!

 

Many of you probably see the PS leak. That is the lower PS gear seal. I have the seal, another project to write up for ya'll! This has happened to many people who have upgraded to the Saginaw PS Pump.

 

that is weird did the exact same job about a week ago it's pretty easy and very needed 4 saftey, if one has any looseness in steering componants. I comend u on doing a good job. steering and suspension parts are often overlooked (of course not by anyone at fte)

 

yep...this was probably the easiest job I've done. Most people migh think it is beyond them, but really is very easy!

 

I've been driving it since Saturday and gotta say the thing corners like it's rails and does not travel all over the road...my mind is at ease! Still need to take it in for an alignment though. But I have a feeling it's not too far off!

 

Most of you probably know this, but for those that don't--paying the few extra bucks for a lifetime alignment is advisable. I have had it done at least twice per year since I bought mine in 2003 (the alignment, that is). Nice to know that you can work on any of the steering components without incurring that extra cost. Many of the national tire places sell them and they are only a few bucks more that the usual one.

 

Good call...especially with the ford TTB suspension set up.

 

I did the same as you, btw. Two years ago I replaced all of the steering components to include the gear box which had become "play city." It had gotten so bad that they refused to do the alignments. I had also replaced the pump and both of the hoses in 2k3, hence, my '88 basically drives like new. Upper and lower ball joints on the right side are the next thing to tackle--have to get ready for some winter fun, fun FUN!!

 

what are the part numbers for the drag links? I can find a listing for the longer one but not the smaller one, thanks.

 

There are no drag links for the TTB. The long parts are the inner tie rod ends. A drag link only exists on a conventional steering setup that has a center rod (drag link) between the inner tie rod ends. The Bronco and F-series had the "inverted Y" that is shown in the photos above.

 

You didnt like the death wobble? LOL I did the same on my bronco last year but i did the steering box also.