I just bought a 1979 Ford truck that's lifted 9 inches to play in the mud with. It has about 3 to 4 inches of play in the steering when you turn the wheel before it actually starts turning the vehicle. I haven't really gotten the chance to look at it at all yet, but I was just kind of wondering if somebody could tell me what the possible causes of this problem are? Supposedly the tie rod ends and ball joints are new. Thanks for your help in advance.
2007-10-11 21:13:32 · 5 answers · asked by Nick P 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
if it has power steering, then i have no clue. but, if it is manual steering, there is an adjustment screw on top of the gear box that will take the play out of the steering wheel.
2007-10-11 21:18:02 · answer #1 · answered by up all night 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All good answers...play in the steering gear box can be adjusted with the top screw and locknut, the steering coupler or "rag joint" may be worn/loose, could be worn steering components like tierods but you said they are new, so that should eliminate them. I'm thinking it's the gearbox or steering coupling....have someone turn the wheel back and forth while you observe how much the steering arm on the bottom of the box moves...if the steering wheel moves a lot in relation to that arm, then the play is in the gear box or coupling.
2007-10-12 07:25:57 · answer #2 · answered by paul h 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She is just an old truck. No worries. On the driver side, behind the front wheel you will see a metal box bolted to the frame. Your steering shaft goes in one side and on the bottom is a bracket that is bolted to the spider-gear of the box and the other end goes to your steering linkage. On the top of the steering box you will see a six point nut with a "slot" cut into the stud it is locking down. Loosen the nut to free the stud and turn the slotted shaft a little at a time. check your play in the steering wheel till it is almost gone (you should give your self about 1" play for the metal to expand with the heat and all).
Tighten up the six point lock nut and go!
2007-10-12 04:57:11 · answer #3 · answered by toddakins05 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is a coupler that links the shaft to the steering box. this coupler often goes bad and causes this type of play. It's mostly the rubber in side that rots and then starts breaking up. Not sure what the cost would be on the 79 Ford truck. Most parts stores should be able to get it for you.
2007-10-12 04:22:03 · answer #4 · answered by gearnofear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Worn out front end suspension parts.... could be any of them, you have to get under there and pull on them to see what moves.....
2007-10-12 05:38:35 · answer #5 · answered by Stampy Skunk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋