I'm having a small problem with the steering on my '78 F150 4x4, with power steering.

You'll have to bear with me, as I'm not very knowledgeable on these things, so the description may be inaccurate in some areas. And I'm going to be asking questions as well. Unfortunately, pictures - if required - will need to wait until tomorrow.

So here's my issue... I have some slop in the steering. I think I know where the issue is, but I have another problem which is confusing me. I'm going to go through my understanding of how the steering system on this truck works first, describing my suspicion of what's wrong and what is confusing me as I go.

The way I look at it, the power steering somehow (I can't tell from looking under the truck) connects to the center link, which connects to the drag link and the stabilizer. Now, I think a lot of the slop is in the connection from the PS to the center link; there's a lot of play in that (what I can only describe as a) joint.

The confusing part to me is, where the steering stabilizer connects to the frame, there's a nut and washer... Well, the nut was loose. I tried tightening it up, and can only get it so tight. The stabilizer is still able to move around there. Is this normal?

I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to have to replace, and don't know what anything is supposed to look like. Pictures won't really work for the joint between the PS and the center link; lets just say that it moves before the tires start to turn. If you need pictures of the stabilizer connection giving me concerns, let me know. I'll get them tomorrow.

 

Others will chime in with more info, but if you want to see what I described, the whole tamale is illustrated in the 1973/79 Ford LIGHT Truck Parts Catalog which is available on a CD from hipoparts.com.

 

Thanks Numberdummy. That helps clear it up for me a bit. I would certainly say the bushings in the stabilizer are worn, from what you say.

Is it possible this is where the play in the wheel is coming from, or is it likely the balljoint on the drag link is also worn, and this is where the play is coming from? I know it's hard to tell, especially based on my limited knowledge of these vehicles, but any advice is appreciated.

 

I recently put new bushings in the ends of my stabilizer bar in my 78. I was amazed because the old bushings didnt look that bad. The difference was incredible, and I would suggest starting there.

 

Thanks Witty. May I ask where you got your bushings? Or do I have to replace the whole stabilizer?

 

The ball joints on the draglink (there are two-one to the Pitman Arm, one to the right tie rod) should be stiff, very hard to move by hand, but...

When these joints wear out, they'll flop around, so can be moved with next to no effort with your pinkie finger.

D8TZ3304A .. Draglink / Obsolete

Fits: 1978/79 F150 4WD except Super Cab / 1978/79 Bronco.
------------------------------------------------------------
D8TZ3304B .. Draglink / Obsolete

Fits: 1978/79 F150 4WD Super Cab-only / 1978/79 F250 4WD / 1979 F350 4WD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C8TZ3E655B .. Steering Shock Absorber Insulator Kit / Obsolete

Fits: 1968/72 F100 4WD / 1968/79 Bronco / 1973/79 F100/150/250 4WD / 1979 F350 4WD.

I assume that Jeff's Bronco Graveyard will have these parts.

IMO, if the draglink is worn, you will prolly need the right tie rod and the left tie rod end, as both have ball joints.

 

Thanks again ND. I'll check out the draglink, and go from there.