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Steering Shaft

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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 10:56 AM
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Steering Shaft

I have what will be a 78 f250 4x4 with the power steering and manual steering column. Basically I bought a bunch of parts and am trying to piece this truck back together. The truck has 6" suspension lift and will have a 460 with fenderwell exit headers. The intermediate steering shaft that I have has a shot universal on one end and a coupler on the other (not a rag joint). I saw one guy call this a "bell coupling" but don't know that that is the correct term. I have the two square bearings, the "bell", and the clamp. Are there any extra parts that I'm missing? Exploded parts diagram anyone?

I know the shaft is obsolete so what the best way to replacing the shaft and couplings?

Also, does that look like the correct pitman arm? Checking the range of travel it looks like something is off and there are two different types of arms in my box of parts.

Thanks





 
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 02:42 PM
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To set the drag link right. Point the wheels straight. Disconnect the drag link, then set the box right in the middle of it's travel from lock to lock. Adjust the link till it slides right in. Yours is not adjustable so if it's off you are going to have to come up with one if it won't turn sharp enough one way.
You have the stock pitman arm on there.
 
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 08:11 PM
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From: fallon nv
These guys have what you need Ford Truck Click the link
 
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 08:19 PM
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Thanks for confirming the correct pitman arm.

I was afraid that the connecting link might be the wrong one. The wheels are straight but the gear box is not in the middle of its stroke range. Any idea how long the correct one should be?

Is there some type of a locking mechanism to keep the intermediate shaft inside the bell connector?
 
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 08:30 PM
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I don't remember just how it comes apart but like I sayed it doesn't matter if it loose it's junk. I keep a few good used ones around cause I tryed a Borgson once and took it back off, driving it, it felt like it was made of hard rubber or plastic. It just felt spooky driving it compaired to a stock one.
 
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 08:32 PM
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Thanks for the link Dave...you posted while I was typing.

Could someone post a pic of how the steering column is mounted in the cab?

The truck is in a storage unit right now but I'm hopfully moving it out soon. Would like to have the steering working at least temporarily for when we go to move it out of there. Sure was a pain getting it in there turning the tires by hand.
 
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 08:39 PM
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Not sure I understand what you are saying Mark. I was talking about the intermediate steering shaft as it connects to the steering box.

The connecting link only goes one way as the ball joint pins are tapered. Also, the pitman arm is splined but like you said, can only be rotated by 90 degrees at a time. I'm only about 30 degrees away from the middle the steering box range. Looks like I need a shorter connecting link.
 
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 08:48 PM
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Looks like you deleted a post???

Anyways, will be a funny read later.

The coupling at the steering boxes is disconnected. When I reconnect it, is there any type of locking mechanism that keeps the steering shaft in the bell coupling?
 
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 09:04 PM
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From: fallon nv
its just a bolt that crosses thru in that notch behind the threads,i still have a manual column in my 75.i called up borgeson and they built my steering shaft.
Are you going to put a rag joint back on? Its amazing how much vibration those reduce thru the steering.
 
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Old Dec 18, 2009 | 11:38 PM
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Originally Posted by PA F250
Looks like you deleted a post???

Anyways, will be a funny read later.

The coupling at the steering boxes is disconnected. When I reconnect it, is there any type of locking mechanism that keeps the steering shaft in the bell coupling?
Yea, I thought you were talking about reindexing the selector shaft in the box. Then I reread & fixed.
 
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