1978 steering issues
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Bethany, MO
1978 steering issues
I have a '78 f150 ranger supercab LWB 4x4 351M auto A/C. The problem is I have about 4 inches of play in the steering. I've been up under the front end and everything is good and tight. I adjusted the gear box, and it seemed to help a little but not enough. I've also checked the shaft from the wheel and it seems to be ok as well. Do I just need to invest in a new gearbox, or is there something else I could check out first.
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My 76 has the same problem, a half a**ed mechanic told me aqt first it was the drag link, then in passing a week later told me I needed to replace my entire steering assembly, I doubt that, I'll let you know what I find out, a friend of mine who knows these truck in and out is supposed to stop by and take a look.
Zombie Survivalist
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 14,809
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From: Rock Springs, WY, USA
my 76 kinda has the same issue. put a new powersteerin pump on it, and it helped things out a bit, but i would recommend that your check your steerin box. have someone sit in the truck and wiggle the wheel while you listen to the gear box, see if you can hear the gears clinkin back and forth in there. should help you diagnose the problem. and while your at it, it really wouldnt hurt to throw some new bushings at your linkages.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Little Falls,New York
I believe on '78s there is a cv style joint in the steering shaft.These create about an inch of slop at the wheel,coupled with other worn out steering components adds up to quite a bit at the steering wheel.Do you have a new rag joint?
DO NOT buy a cheap Chinese drag link,spend the buck on the Spicer. I thought I would save some $$ on the cheaper part,and the first time it went off road, both tapers pulled out of the link.And that wasn't even under any real abuse and 30" tires
DO NOT buy a cheap Chinese drag link,spend the buck on the Spicer. I thought I would save some $$ on the cheaper part,and the first time it went off road, both tapers pulled out of the link.And that wasn't even under any real abuse and 30" tires
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Big Sky Country
Having only 4" of play at the steering wheel on an old Ford is not all that bad actually lol, but on a more serious note if you do narrow down the excessive play to the steering box don't waste your time or money on a "remanufactered" box from the chain stores, go with these guys here...Red-Head Steering Gears, Seattle WA - Red-Head Steering Gears Home...you'll be glad you did.
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I have heard that tilt steering has a bolt that comes loose in the column and causes sloppy steering. I need to check that myself.
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Junior User
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From: Bethany, MO
O.k. Well I checked things out and there's no rag joint it does have a u-joint put it's tight. I'm sure I found the problem. Just before the gearbox there's a joint that appears to have a bushing in it and a cotter pin ran thru the end of the column if you know what I'm talking about maybe you can help. When the wheel is turned all the play is in that joint. Any idea if thats an easy fix, or any thoughts about it?
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O.k. Well I checked things out and there's no rag joint it does have a u-joint put it's tight. I'm sure I found the problem. Just before the gearbox there's a joint that appears to have a bushing in it and a cotter pin ran thru the end of the column if you know what I'm talking about maybe you can help. When the wheel is turned all the play is in that joint. Any idea if thats an easy fix, or any thoughts about it?
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WickedSharp
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Jul 13, 2011 08:32 AM
