F-100 Steering Gear Rack Adjustment

Рет қаралды 11,824

Күн бұрын

Manual steering gear / manual steering box rack adjustment on a 1969 Ford F100. This will apply to all 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, and 1972 Ford Trucks. For trucks with Power Steering, those boxes can also be adjusted the same way, but be sure to tighten the jamb but to torque specs, since those see more pressure than a manual box. This may also apply to 1973-1979 Ford trucks as well.
Thank You for watching!
As always, see my other Bumpside Shenanigans on my Instagram @fifthgenfever and on my favorite FB group “Bump Nation ‘67-‘72 Ford Trucks!”

Пікірлер: 39

@michaeloday9331 4 жыл бұрын

I've had a 1970 Ranger XLT since '88 and I've done everything to it. Great Trucks!

@vd4826 3 жыл бұрын

My 73 Ford F100 had a loose steering wheel like that. I tried turning that adjustment bolt and didn't seem to do much. Recently someone got me a "rag joint" replacement (steering coupler), I had no idea that was a thing. I replaced that, and instantly got rid of the loose play and now is more or less tight. I didn't know it was supposed to be there as the whole time I've owned it there was no "cloth" material in the rag joint. Just realized the video I watched prior to attempting the swap was also from you Bj, which was very helpful, thanks. The new rag joint stiffened up my steering, I haven't test driven it yet though. I might have to look up this "feeler gauges to look at the steering wheel adjustment bolt".

@bjsclassicclusters 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words! I'm just doing my best to help people with the same passion! And yes, there should definitely be some rubber/cloth material to that joint! Sounds like the replacement was long overdue! Good work!

@michaelmorris6575 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

@bjsclassicclusters 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the compliment! I hope it helped!

@t-rodzgarage 2 жыл бұрын

One of the biggest problems on these trucks are the king pins and bushings. A good reputable front end shop can do this for you. The last one I did ,I bought the parts and the shop charged with labor and alignment about 300.00. A major improvement.

@bjsclassicclusters 2 жыл бұрын

Mine is probably way overdue. Before spring/summer I would like to replace the steering box before bringing it out of the garage. I hope that will take out most of my steering slop.

@thorerlingiversen5459 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the vid. Just bought a 69 250 last week!

@bjsclassicclusters 5 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome! Keep it on the road!

@thorerlingiversen5459 5 жыл бұрын

@@bjsclassicclusters Will do my best. Not that many in Norway

@bjsclassicclusters 5 жыл бұрын

@@thorerlingiversen5459 yes, that will definitely complicate things. But if you join the Facebook group listed at the end of my video, you will have access to parts and knowledge that will keep you up and running forever! Or also take a look at Fordification.com another great resource.

@thorerlingiversen5459 5 жыл бұрын

@@bjsclassicclusters Thanks my guy!

@tavshedfjols 3 жыл бұрын

Steering box sector lash adjustments can be dangerous! Make sure that the problem does not lie elsewhere (slop in the linkages causing play) because misadjusting the lash can cause the steering to LOCK UP randomly on the road if it is too tight. If possible, remove the box, open it up, and check manual specs using feeler gauges.

@bjsclassicclusters 3 жыл бұрын

I have heard that as well, which is why I emphasized the "1/4 turn at a time" rule. Prior to making this video, I replaced my steering coupler/rag joint and that didn't make anything better. And even after making the steering adjustment, there was no significant improvement. I have a new steering box for it.

@vd4826 3 жыл бұрын

I saw your Rag Joint Video Bj, had no idea that was a thing, it solved my loose play issue, thanks for sharing. I am curious about the steering adjustment screw though. I've also heard to do 1/4 turn at a time rule.

@fordsrule35 4 жыл бұрын

It helps if you drive it for a week or so to let it settle in before adjusting again. How'd it turn out for you?

@bjsclassicclusters 4 жыл бұрын

Not so hot. The play still exists, but it tightened the gear, but did not take the slop out. I have a new steering box to put in and will make a video when I get around to doing that.

@ryanhunt881 3 жыл бұрын

Lol, I always just assumed all these trucks were just like that, I never realized that it was adjustable.

@bjsclassicclusters 3 жыл бұрын

A year later and the steering is right back to where it was. For some people, the adjustment does wonders. I'll be swapping the box soon.

@wreckful 3 жыл бұрын

30 to 60 inch-lbs is 2.5 to 5 ft-lbs. When you tightened the bejesus out of the set screw under the hood you probably did more like 85 ft-lbs! Fortunately, this is a big nut and screw so it won't really hurt anything, but if anyone watching this video attempts this repair at home, don't pop a blood vessel in your forehead trying to tighten everything up. A good "that's snug" with your wrench will be plenty more then the 5 ft-lbs the manual calls for.

@bjsclassicclusters 3 жыл бұрын

"Bejesus" LOL! It's been awhile since I've heard that one! Yeah, probably a bit overkill... BUT. That box is needing replaced, new one ready to go in, just not enough time to do it at the moment! Ugh.

@wreckful 3 жыл бұрын

@@bjsclassicclusters where did you end up purchasing your steering box from?

@bjsclassicclusters 3 жыл бұрын

@@wreckful I was actually able to find a tight original box. However, "Red Head" and "Blue Top" Steering boxes come highly reviewed, known as the best of the best. Also, as you probably know, they are available through RockAuto and your local parts store.

@churrokiller 4 жыл бұрын

Waiting for the new video of steering box I have the same problem ... just change the steering coupler but turning it’s hard not sure what it can be .

@bjsclassicclusters 4 жыл бұрын

Jerry! It hasn't been posted because it hasn't been replaced yet! I do have the steering box, it just needs to go in! But the truck is away for the winter, so I'm not sure when I will be able to get to it. You have a couple components between the wheel and your tires that could be binding. Anything from bearings to bushings. But, my guess would be the steering box is going.

@churrokiller 4 жыл бұрын

Bj thanks for the tips !

@johncoruna 4 жыл бұрын

You've got a beautiful truck...maybe you should consider a full restoration... regards

@bjsclassicclusters 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!! This summer I would like to get the front end straightened out, it has some damage to the grille and bumper on the passenger corner. I would like to replace all of those parts and the bent panels. Then paint to match the rest. There would just be too many dents to pull for a complete restoration at this time. I enjoy driving it too much. Plus I have another 69 I am trying to get on the road!!

@vd4826 3 жыл бұрын

@@bjsclassicclusters That's funny, I have a 73 F100 and recently am in the process of inheriting a 69 I'm trying to get on the road :D. Best of Luck!

@bjsclassicclusters 3 жыл бұрын

@@vd4826 it's a bad addiction. Since making this video, I've gotten a '76 F250 Supercab and a third '69. It's crazy how sometimes these old trucks find you, and sometimes at a price where you can't say no!

@davejones7805 9 ай бұрын

note manual says ft/lbs you said inch lbs quite a difference 5:16

@michaeloday9331 4 жыл бұрын

I'm 3 minutes into this video and from what little I know he's doing it wrong. FIRST, put the front up on Jack stands so the wheels hang, unsupported. Next, turn the steering wheel all the way clockwise and THEN loosen your collar nut and turn the screw a quarter turn clockwise per the video. SECOND, Turn the wheel all the way counter-clockwise and repeat the quarter turn on the screw. Finally, Turn the wheel straight and make one last quarter turn of the screw and tighten up the nut. The advice given by another commitmenting here, to drive the vehicle and then check the steering is true because it won't show how actually worn the parts are until you drive it around.

@bjsclassicclusters 4 жыл бұрын

Michael, I consulted with several people before doing this, checked my Chilton's Manual, as well as the factory shop manuals, and none of which mentioned taking the load off of the wheels. On top of that, I was highly advised not to turn the adjusting screw more than 1/4 of a turn at a time. Your advice adds up to a total of 3/4 of a turn, which is a significant change in adjustment. With that I would be afraid of over-tightening and causing the internal gears to have too much friction and wear at a much faster rate!

@michaeloday9331 4 жыл бұрын

@@bjsclassicclusters How does the steering box work? IDK, but I was told this "Wives Tale" 30 years ago and twice since then I've had Pro "Country" Mechanics either say it first or agree with me; the wheels off the ground and the three steering wheel positions. They too thought I was "Overtightening" but Pro adjustments would have the same play of 2"-4". 3 quarter turns has worked for me the 2 times I've done it but maybe it was just way loose. IDK?

@bjsclassicclusters 4 жыл бұрын

@@michaeloday9331 how about this? I got a new steering box to replace the loose one in my truck. Before I replace it, I will give your tightening routine a try and see what happens. I'll make a video and all. It certainly can't hurt.

@michaeloday9331 4 жыл бұрын

@@bjsclassicclusters Great idea! And like the other commenter said, it may seem better right away but in a couple of weeks or so the actual wear on the mechanism will show.

@bjsclassicclusters 4 жыл бұрын

@@michaeloday9331 sounds like a plan to me! I still have 4-5 weeks before I get the truck back out for the summer, so it will have to wait until then, sadly.