Sloppy steering
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Anchor, Tx
Sloppy steering
so I got a 69 ford f100 4x4. I have real sloppy steering. My truck was converted to 4wd and I'm almost certain that the front end I have is not from that generation, but I was told that fords from that time just came that way. Is there anyway anything I can do to compensate for this? 
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 6
From: UPSTATE NY
alot of people say that because alot of old fords are like that. play in the steering is so common. but it is the thing that should not be. all it takes on a 2wd power steering model is a $10 little rubber coupling called a rag joint. and maybe tie rod ends, drag link, and the box itself could have play also. you need to diagnose. open hood, open door. stick arm in cab. jiggle steering wheel while watching the input shaft on the gearbox. also jack up truck, place on jackstands, grab a good hold of anything that looks to be associated with steering, try and jiggle it, if it jiggles then it needs replaced.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Anchor, Tx
I think you're right boss man, cuz where that rag joint is... that bushing... the 2 columns around it are held together with beiling wire and 1 bolt. It's haggard as hell. My buddy told me to replace that bushing and secure the columns properly, and that should fix my problem. If not then yall'll be hearing from me again. Thanks guys
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 55
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From: Anchor, Tx
alot of people say that because alot of old fords are like that. play in the steering is so common. but it is the thing that should not be. all it takes on a 2wd power steering model is a $10 little rubber coupling called a rag joint. and maybe tie rod ends, drag link, and the box itself could have play also. you need to diagnose. open hood, open door. stick arm in cab. jiggle steering wheel while watching the input shaft on the gearbox. also jack up truck, place on jackstands, grab a good hold of anything that looks to be associated with steering, try and jiggle it, if it jiggles then it needs replaced.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: The Big, Oregon
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Elder User
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From: Angleton Tx.
Sarge, Is that truck over ay Lube n Tune, If yours is not, then there is one here that looks just like yours
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Anchor, Tx
. It doesn't look like its threaded or anything...
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Junior User
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From: Anchor, Tx
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
There should be two bolts across from each other, either on the shaft flange or on the gearbox flange, if not then you'll have to cut out the rivets and replace them with bolts.
I know I have done this on several vehicles before, I just can't remember exactly how my Fords went together.
I know I have done this on several vehicles before, I just can't remember exactly how my Fords went together.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
As original: There is no rag joint used on 1967/72 4WD's.
The only rag joints listed in the parts catalog are for 2WD's.
1967/72 F100/250's used a steering shaft and coupler assembly.
If there's a rag joint there now, it's mickey-mouse.
The only rag joints listed in the parts catalog are for 2WD's.
1967/72 F100/250's used a steering shaft and coupler assembly.
If there's a rag joint there now, it's mickey-mouse.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Anchor, Tx
did you see the pic in the link? that's a rag joint, yes? the dorman part i found was listed as a coupler disc replacement kit. but if you wanna call it mickey mouse, be my guess 
. listen. originally this truck was 2wd so somebody did a lot of bad mods on this poor machine. i'm just trying to get her ship-shape again... why is there a difference anyway? i mean, don't they do the same thing?
. listen. originally this truck was 2wd so somebody did a lot of bad mods on this poor machine. i'm just trying to get her ship-shape again... why is there a difference anyway? i mean, don't they do the same thing?