Need help with steering issue.
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Need help with steering issue.
I have whati believe to be a 1966 mercury f100 custom cab with the "famous" twin I beam suspension. Id love to drive this but cant. It is nearly imposible to steer. What the truck does is when you turn it will turn goof for 1/4 of a revolution and then get harder and harder to turn.
Then if you continue to turn it the steering goes bang! and the entire cab shakes. after spending 3 hours i nearly have the coloum taken apart and i think i have found the problem. now on my steering where the top of the steering meets the steering shaft in between this there is a rubber piece of some sort. the holes are stretched and when your turn it this piece flexes and binds up upon it self. this is what i think is the problem. Does any one know of a website i can order this parts from and has any one had a similar problem?
Thanks ahead of time i am very very new to this old old truck. especially fords
Then if you continue to turn it the steering goes bang! and the entire cab shakes. after spending 3 hours i nearly have the coloum taken apart and i think i have found the problem. now on my steering where the top of the steering meets the steering shaft in between this there is a rubber piece of some sort. the holes are stretched and when your turn it this piece flexes and binds up upon it self. this is what i think is the problem. Does any one know of a website i can order this parts from and has any one had a similar problem?
Thanks ahead of time i am very very new to this old old truck. especially fords
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,423
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From: Clarksville,Tn
Its a 10 dollar item at bascially any auto parts store; as Bill W mention (Rag Joint)
I recommend replacing asap; once it breaks completely you will have no steering.(Very dangerous situation while driving) The rag / rubber joint is ciricular and aglines on the steering rod; Its held on by two 1/2 nut; between the steering box & steering rod (column) inside the engine bay.
Just the help isle at any auto parts store; or ask a clerk!
Mitch
I recommend replacing asap; once it breaks completely you will have no steering.(Very dangerous situation while driving) The rag / rubber joint is ciricular and aglines on the steering rod; Its held on by two 1/2 nut; between the steering box & steering rod (column) inside the engine bay.
Just the help isle at any auto parts store; or ask a clerk!
Mitch
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 825
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From: Dallas, Texas
In answer to your question, Autozone carries this rubber part in their 'Help' section. It is called a rag joint and sells for about $8. Kit comes with new bolts, etc.
However, I have my doubts that this will fix your problem. You really need to get a buddy under the hood to watch while you turn the wheel. I think something else serious is going on down there, possibly with the steering box.
Once you figure out what is causing this 'bang' and what exactly precedes it, give a description and you should be able to get better help.
Also, if this is not a '66 Mercury truck twin I, as you suspect, but a '62, like your screen name, it has completely different steering setup than I have described.
However, I have my doubts that this will fix your problem. You really need to get a buddy under the hood to watch while you turn the wheel. I think something else serious is going on down there, possibly with the steering box.
Once you figure out what is causing this 'bang' and what exactly precedes it, give a description and you should be able to get better help.
Also, if this is not a '66 Mercury truck twin I, as you suspect, but a '62, like your screen name, it has completely different steering setup than I have described.
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Freshman User
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In answer to your question, Autozone carries this rubber part in their 'Help' section. It is called a rag joint and sells for about $8. Kit comes with new bolts, etc.
However, I have my doubts that this will fix your problem. You really need to get a buddy under the hood to watch while you turn the wheel. I think something else serious is going on down there, possibly with the steering box.
Once you figure out what is causing this 'bang' and what exactly precedes it, give a description and you should be able to get better help.
Also, if this is not a '66 Mercury truck twin I, as you suspect, but a '62, like your screen name, it has completely different steering setup than I have described.
However, I have my doubts that this will fix your problem. You really need to get a buddy under the hood to watch while you turn the wheel. I think something else serious is going on down there, possibly with the steering box.
Once you figure out what is causing this 'bang' and what exactly precedes it, give a description and you should be able to get better help.
Also, if this is not a '66 Mercury truck twin I, as you suspect, but a '62, like your screen name, it has completely different steering setup than I have described.
I do also think it may be the sterring box but for 8 bucks i will try this first. after taking most of the sterring coloum i found everything to be worn to hell . i will install a new rag joint and see if this helps or fixes the problem. if it dosent then a new steering box will be installed. is there any way FOR SURE i can tell the year of the vehicle. some people say its a 66 some say a 62. It has a frame and isnt the unibody , hope this helps.
Thanks for all the great info guys! i will report back!
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front left cab mount is rusted , how would this cause steering problems?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Glendale Arizona
It puts all the weight of the cab on the steering column and steering box. Creates all kinds of funky movement and breaks things.
Aftermarket rag joints are fine but the steering shaft needs to be modified to accommodate the later large pin each side rag joint. 65 66 is stock small pin large pin. A grinder will take enough off the steering flange to match the large large size. No one make a 65 66 specific rag joint.
Garbz
Aftermarket rag joints are fine but the steering shaft needs to be modified to accommodate the later large pin each side rag joint. 65 66 is stock small pin large pin. A grinder will take enough off the steering flange to match the large large size. No one make a 65 66 specific rag joint.
Garbz
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It puts all the weight of the cab on the steering column and steering box. Creates all kinds of funky movement and breaks things.
Aftermarket rag joints are fine but the steering shaft needs to be modified to accommodate the later large pin each side rag joint. 65 66 is stock small pin large pin. A grinder will take enough off the steering flange to match the large large size. No one make a 65 66 specific rag joint.
Garbz
Aftermarket rag joints are fine but the steering shaft needs to be modified to accommodate the later large pin each side rag joint. 65 66 is stock small pin large pin. A grinder will take enough off the steering flange to match the large large size. No one make a 65 66 specific rag joint.
Garbz
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,423
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From: Clarksville,Tn
I can't crunch numbers like some on here; but a 61-64 F100 & I beleive 4x4 up to 66; are the same. You can modify your fire wall to adapt a 65-79 style. But if you do; I also recommend going the extra mile and add power steering as well.
Check you local salvage yards and the classified here as well.
Where are you located at? might have a local FTE'r near by!
Mitch
Check you local salvage yards and the classified here as well.
Where are you located at? might have a local FTE'r near by!
Mitch
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 825
Likes: 2
From: Dallas, Texas
I do also think it may be the sterring box but for 8 bucks i will try this first. after taking most of the sterring coloum i found everything to be worn to hell . i will install a new rag joint and see if this helps or fixes the problem. if it dosent then a new steering box will be installed. is there any way FOR SURE i can tell the year of the vehicle. some people say its a 66 some say a 62. It has a frame and isnt the unibody , hope this helps.
Thanks for all the great info guys! i will report back!
Thanks for all the great info guys! i will report back!
Could you post a pic? First of the truck, to determine what year you have and then the description of the problem with a pic of the steering.
Somebody here will know. Not sure who is familiar with International truck parts. BUT, I think that after he fought in the Civil War, NumberDummy was an International partsman for a few years before he went to Ford.
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No one knows what might fit until we have an idea of what you are working on.
Could you post a pic? First of the truck, to determine what year you have and then the description of the problem with a pic of the steering.
Somebody here will know. Not sure who is familiar with International truck parts. BUT, I think that after he fought in the Civil War, NumberDummy was an International partsman for a few years before he went to Ford.
Could you post a pic? First of the truck, to determine what year you have and then the description of the problem with a pic of the steering.
Somebody here will know. Not sure who is familiar with International truck parts. BUT, I think that after he fought in the Civil War, NumberDummy was an International partsman for a few years before he went to Ford.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
I can't crunch numbers like some on here; but a 61-64 F100 & I beleive 4x4 up to 66; are the same. You can modify your fire wall to adapt a 65-79 style. But if you do; I also recommend going the extra mile and add power steering as well.
Check you local salvage yards and the classified here as well.
Where are you located at? might have a local FTE'r near by!
Mitch
Check you local salvage yards and the classified here as well.
Where are you located at? might have a local FTE'r near by!
Mitch