[Hefty]

I need some advise.

I'm having a problem with the steering on my 78 bronco. When I turn the wheel there is a lot of play in the steering. Ok, that was an understatement, at least a 1/4 of a turn of the steering wheel is non responsive. I can feel something like a gear or somthing missing. (kinda like using an adjustable wrench on a stripped bolt). Is the entire steering gear box shot? Could it be the Rag joint? I just don't want to spend the money on the wrong thing. It seems lately like the whole truck is having issues all at the same time.

 

[Ranger429]

Diagnosis first. Have someone wiggle the wheel back and forth and start watching what moves and what doesn't. Does it have tilt wheel? Could be the small nut and bolt on the top side U-joint of the steering column. Does the body move but the wheels don't turn? Could be track rod bushings bad. Could be gearbox, could be rag joint. You have to diagnose it first.

 

[Hefty]

Diagnosis first. Have someone wiggle the wheel back and forth and start watching what moves and what doesn't. Does it have tilt wheel? Could be the small nut and bolt on the top side U-joint of the steering column. Does the body move but the wheels don't turn? Could be track rod bushings bad. Could be gearbox, could be rag joint. You have to diagnose it first.

Non tilt wheel, shaft moves fine, u joint in shaft has a little play but not much, rag joint seems to be working but the pitman arm barely moves. there is a lot of slop in the entire thing

 

[Ranger429]

Well by that description I would take a close look at how much the shaft turns going into the gearbox verses what comes out at the pitman arm, might be time for a gearbox.

 

[Hefty]

thats what I figured. It's about a half turn on the shaft to about a 64th of a revolution on the arm. How hard is it to rebuild the box? do I need any special tools or anything? I haven't done one of these before. I have a used one lined up for $90 but don't know if it's any good

 

[Ranger429]

Never done a box, maybe someone else will tell ya.

 

[Hefty]

Thanks Ranger, I kinda figured it was the box. I needed the second oppinion. Didn't want to spend money on something I didn't need. I think I'll risk the used one and maybe try to rebuild my current one. No harm in having a spare.

 

[Ranger429]

They can't be that hard to R+R, get a manual and start reading.

 

[Hefty]

I'm reading right now, It's like your in my head or something. Kinda freaky!

 

[highhorse78]

They're fairly easy to rebuild. With the basic rebuild kit you'll need tools like snap ring pliers, punchs, and a torque wrench for preloading/adjusting center adjustment.

 

[Hefty]

Got all of that. just need to order the kit. My manual tells me how to take the box out but not how to rebuild. The kit says it comes with instructions (with pics) I'm not that good at readin ya know! hehe