We've got a '79 F-150 4x4 351M/C6 auto. . .we got it pretty cheap at an auction but the engine is strong and the there weren't any major problems. . .it just needed a little work.

One of the areas that needs a little help is the power steering system. . .it was practically non-existent when we got the truck so I yesterday I replaced the power steering pump, the pressure and return hoses, and installed a power steering filter in the return line. One thing that I did find out was that someone in the past had installed the power steering hoses incorrectly to the steering box (the pressure hose was going to the return port and the return line was going to the pressure port. . .someone had gone to enough trouble to make a custom hose up to do this since the ports aren't the same size) so I'm not sure if the box is shot or not. . .I plan to replace the box with a RedHead Steering box with the ball bearings in the future, but they are kinda pricey so it's not an immediate upgrade.

Now that I replaced the power steering pump and hoses I can tell a difference, but the response isn't constant. . .I have what feels like a good amount of resistance at small amounts of steering wheel input but then the resistance just goes away and the truck will veer very quickly. I would imagine that the steering damper is the original one and needs replaced, but I doubt that has anything to do with the twitchy steering.

Any ideas???

Thanks!

 

Your box could be locking up momentarily then letting go. Mark where the adjuster screw is at now, then back the screw out a little. If the "twitching" stops then your box is to blame.

 

OK. . .cool, thanks for the suggestion!

 

Forgot to ask. . .if the adjustment fixes the problem does that mean that the steering box is shot or that it just needed adjusted.

 

Well, turning that screw out will will loosen the steering some, which could result in slack. Personally, if you narrow it down to the box, I would replace. It would kinda suck to have it lock up on you taking a curve at 60 mph.

 

I agree that would suck!

I'm just no steering guru. . .I have basic mechnanical knowledge and abilities but I'm not a pro at everything yet.

Thanks again!

 

Sounds like the steering box. In my opinion, I would NOT mess with the adjuster on the box. I would buy a new box.

When you adjust the box either tighter or looser, it may help going relatively straight. The screw wears mainly in one spot which is when your going straight. Adjusting it may tighten it up, but beware, If its tighter where the most wear is on screw, then how tight is it outside this area??

You could end up going around a curve and have it lock up solid.

BWTFDIK.

Just my opinion.

 

Thanks guys. . .sounds like a new steering box may be the best bet!

 

Did you check the axle u joints ? Maby one or both are froze up.