All over the road feeling
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 62
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All over the road feeling
Hello,
My1975 ford F150 is close to being back on the road again and I have taken it for a small drive. For years it has had a problem with the steering and Im wondering if its the steering box or what. The symptom is that when Im going down the road I feel like Im in an old BJ and the bear episode. I have to constantly move my wheel back and forth to maintain straight down the road driving. Its not pulling to one side or the other. Ive heard that these steering boxes in the older dent sides were junk and most upgrade to a 78 or later box? (my truck does have power steering) Looking to be put in the right direction
My1975 ford F150 is close to being back on the road again and I have taken it for a small drive. For years it has had a problem with the steering and Im wondering if its the steering box or what. The symptom is that when Im going down the road I feel like Im in an old BJ and the bear episode. I have to constantly move my wheel back and forth to maintain straight down the road driving. Its not pulling to one side or the other. Ive heard that these steering boxes in the older dent sides were junk and most upgrade to a 78 or later box? (my truck does have power steering) Looking to be put in the right direction
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
Is your truck 2 or 4WD?
If it's 2WD first thing to check is the coupling just above the steering box. These have a fiber disc that disintegrates over time. When this happens you'll feel more like your rowing a boat than driving a truck.
If the coupling is okay, check the rest of the system for play. With the engine off, have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth while you visually check for any play in the steering, it should be easy to see any slop. Also while rocking the steering wheel look at the steering box, if there is a lot of rotation in the steering shaft but the pitman arm isn't moving then it's time to rebuild the steering box. If you go this route Redhead Steering Gear in Seattle, Wa. is excellent for rebuilt steering gears (either 2 or 4WD).
If 4WD check the U-joints in the steering shaft.
Also, on 2WD the steering box is the same from '73-'79. 4WD had power assist '73-'77 then in '78 switched to full power steering.
If it's 2WD first thing to check is the coupling just above the steering box. These have a fiber disc that disintegrates over time. When this happens you'll feel more like your rowing a boat than driving a truck.
If the coupling is okay, check the rest of the system for play. With the engine off, have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth while you visually check for any play in the steering, it should be easy to see any slop. Also while rocking the steering wheel look at the steering box, if there is a lot of rotation in the steering shaft but the pitman arm isn't moving then it's time to rebuild the steering box. If you go this route Redhead Steering Gear in Seattle, Wa. is excellent for rebuilt steering gears (either 2 or 4WD).
If 4WD check the U-joints in the steering shaft.
Also, on 2WD the steering box is the same from '73-'79. 4WD had power assist '73-'77 then in '78 switched to full power steering.
New User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18
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Look at your steering shaft also, there are some junk needle bearings that often crap out on these trucks. I would also have someone move the wheel back and forth while you watch the steering linkage, look for slop as that usually means a worn out part.
My 79 F-250 was just like yours, a wandering mess. I found that it was a couple of issues and not just one that was causing my issues. New steering shaft, steering box and rubber parts cured my trucks ills. Best of luck!
My 79 F-250 was just like yours, a wandering mess. I found that it was a couple of issues and not just one that was causing my issues. New steering shaft, steering box and rubber parts cured my trucks ills. Best of luck!
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 12
From: Northeast LA
I've been having about the same issue too. I don't know if yours does this, but while I'm driving and moving the steering wheel back and forth to stay straight, if I hit a bump in the road at the same time I've got some pressure on the wheel to either side it almost jerks the truck that direction?? So I've gotten to where I pretty much let go of the wheel when I hit a rough patch in the road and the truck goes perfectly straight. I haven't even began the process of elimination on stuff to try to fix it, but I'm going to.
I'm not trying to hi-jack the thread just curious if we have the same issue. Mines a 2wd with power steering.
Thanks,
I'm not trying to hi-jack the thread just curious if we have the same issue. Mines a 2wd with power steering.
Thanks,
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