Steering shaft problem

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Jul 27, 2010 | 12:39 PM

91B

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Steering shaft problem

Hey Ford Fans got a question for you.

1975 F250 4x4 w/ 390, 4 sp manual, NP205

When I bought the truck it had an after market Grant steering wheel installed and it seems to work fine except for it can pull up/out about 4 inches! Upon examining the engine compartment it seems there is a slip joint that slides open when you pull up on the steering wheel.

The slip joint is located between two u-joints in a center section of the shaft. Now I was told that my truck has after market u-joints on the steering (Borgeson) so I was questioning if This slip-joint is an original piece and should be moving like this (I'm sure that my steering shaft shouldn't slide out 4 inches!)

The solution suggested to me for safety was to drill a hole into the shaft and put a grade 8 5/16 bolt in. just want to know if this will cause any issues or if there is supposed to be play?

Thanks ford fans.

Jul 27, 2010 | 04:31 PM

dynamic

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Joined: May 2001

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From: Rhode Island

I beleive that your problem is a missing C clip. Someone else will be able to bring up a drawing of the steering columns to confirm. Their should be a clip that holds the column center shaft in place. Its been a while but I beleive that is the issue.

The Borgeson shaft is designed to slip like that for chassis flex and such. The fact that you can pull the steering wheel up makes me think its something missing inside your column!

Jul 27, 2010 | 05:49 PM

kendooley

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If I remember right, it goes like this. If you take off the steering wheel, the steering shaft has a step in it that the upper bearing rests against. Then the bearing is held in place in the column by a snap ring on the steering shaft. The upper housing with the turn signal switch is held onto the steering column with a couple of t-head bolts and nuts. That snap ring sounds like what you're missing.

Jul 27, 2010 | 05:51 PM

kendooley

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Oh yeah, you'll want to fix that before driving it anymore.

Jul 27, 2010 | 06:47 PM

91B

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ok so do i try to find a clip and were? or do i just drill it and make it stay!!?

Your opinion?

its my daily driver and I need it

Jul 27, 2010 | 11:01 PM

650

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jun 2010

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From: Indiana, PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by 91B

ok so do i try to find a clip and were? or do i just drill it and make it stay!!?

Your opinion?

its my daily driver and I need it

You should just put a new clip in it, something about drilling it...
You should be able to find it here in the picture, LMC Truck Parts - Page 101
Good luck

Jul 27, 2010 | 11:27 PM

kendooley

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You can get a new snap ring at a good hardware store, or auto parts store, or an assortment at Harbor Freight. There's nothing special about them. It's not Ford specific or anything.