Sloppy steering help

[crazeinc]

Hey guys, I just picked up a '78 Ford Fairmont. I know these are stang boards, but they share the same chassis. My steering wheel has a lot of slop in it (you can turn in a few inches from center in either direction without it moving the wheels). Is this an adjustment at the steering box, or something else?

Thanks,
PJ

 

[HISSIN50]

Hey guys, I just picked up a '78 Ford Fairmont. I know these are stang boards, but they share the same chassis. My steering wheel has a lot of slop in it (you can turn in a few inches from center in either direction without it moving the wheels). Is this an adjustment at the steering box, or something else?

Thanks,
PJ

if tie rods look decent, i would think that the box is just worn (is it rack and pinion or worm/gear, etc?
id jack the front end up and grab a wheel and see if there is slop (easier if somone holds the wheel). also check the u joint in the steering linkage.

might have better luck in one of the older car forums here.
thats the best i got. good luck.

 

[crazeinc]

if tie rods look decent, i would think that the box is just worn (is it rack and pinion or worm/gear, etc?
id jack the front end up and grab a wheel and see if there is slop (easier if somone holds the wheel). also check the u joint in the steering linkage.

might have better luck in one of the older car forums here.
thats the best i got. good luck.

Haha....they said to come back over here. But I'll take a look at some of this stuff.

 

[goldbomb79]

check out the manual rack which is what i'm guessing you have. and also the steering shaft could have some wore out joints. but i'd go towards a worn out rack. tie rod ends could be junk also.

 

[crazeinc]

it's actually a power steering rack. I asked a few other places and it looks like I need to replace the rack and tie rods.

thanks.

 

[Maryland Stang]

If you're going high perf with your car you might want to think about getting the Flaming River steering kit. It's a new rack and pinion, steering shaft with rag joint and maybe the tie rod ends. About $400.

 

[crazeinc]

what's the advantages of using an aftermarket rack?

If you're going high perf with your car you might want to think about getting the Flaming River steering kit. It's a new rack and pinion, steering shaft with rag joint and maybe the tie rod ends. About $400.