Hi, I'm just starting to get my truck up to snuff and appreciate any help. It's a 1977 F-150 long wheel base, 460, C-6, A/C, Holley 650 double pumper, MSD. It wanders some. New tires and drag link. While under the truck with my son turning the steering wheel I can see what looks like slop in the steering box. Turn the wheel about two inches and the pitman arm does'nt move. Is the best fix to replace the box or rebuild? Is rebuilding something that can be done at home? Best place to buy the box? Thanks for any and all help and advise.
More questions soon.

 

Vaughn:

Adjusting your steering box would be a good place to start. This is straight forward adjustment that can be made easily provided that you can get to the top of the steering box without too much trouble. Here is how I was taught\ do it.

1. Park vehicle on flat surface with the wheels pointed straight ahead.

2. Using a 5\8 combination wrench (I think I remember the correct size loosen the nut on the top of the steering box that has a slotted bolt sticking out of it. Once the nut is broken loose, loosen it about 3\4 of a turn further.

3. Slowly turn the slotted bolt with a large flat blade screwdriver until you feel it meet resistance. Once resistance is felt, loosen about an 1\8 of a turn.

4. Carefully hold the slotted bolt in place with the flat blade screw driver while you tighten the loccking nut with the 5\8 combo wrecnh.

5. Go for a test drive.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Mark

 

I just changed out the box, adjusting would not help.

 

I just found out my !979 F-250 also needs a gear box . Do I buy a new one or is it O.K. to get one from salvage? What went wrong that it wore out ? I have a 1979 F-100 That drives just fine and has 25K more miles.

 

Just changed the box in my '79 a coupla months ago... The bearings were shot and created slop just like you are describing. Nothing but normal wear and tear.

A reman for my truck cost me $200 if I remember correctly, and was worth the cost. You can also buy rebuild kits for a little cheaper, but the savings isn't much, so I'd go w/ a reman.

DO NOT go with an A1/Cardone box if you have the choice... I had to take the first one back in for a warranty, because it was screwed up.

 

My rebulider says these boxs are prone to wear.

Problem is insane weight of the front wheels.

Here is where I got mine:

http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/

 

$149 rebuilt with lifetime warranty from ****zone.
Dont mess with junkyard ones, I had one last only 3 years. These wear out from turning the steering wheel while on pavement and not rolling. ie parking lots etc. I watch myself a little more nowadays. Thats one heck of a job to change that sucker.

 

Thanks for the replies. Advance Auto has a rebuild kit with seals and bearings. Anyone try the rebuild?

 

Would a inline powersteering filter help against wear?

 

I rebuilt my gearbox but it was not in that bad of shape. My seals were leaking. The kit was only $40 or so. It didn't take all that long...as far as I can remember. I do remember that there is A LOT of fluid in the gearbox. Tear it apart in a plastic or metal bin, because there is A LOT of fluid inside. Good luck.

 

An inline power steering filter should ALWAYS be installed when working on a PS system.

Wix transmission/PS filter #58964
200 psi working, pressure relieved, magnetic
change yearly or 12000 miles
Ford equivalent filter kit #XC3Z-7B155-AA
filter alone #XC3P-7B155-BA

 

How much do they cost?

 

hmm, never heard of that before. Gonna look into it.