steering questions

[abyars111]

My wife just drove my truck and wasn't impressed with the steering. It's a 1970 F250 2wd Crew Cab. I had all the front bushing replaced, king pins, drag link, etc. Everything that could be replaced. The shop that did it works on big trucks so they bent and aligned the beams. After this I installed a rebuilt Red Head steering box and a new rag joint. To me it drives much better than it did when I bought it. I would say there is some play in the steering but I always thought they are just built that way. I have read the steering box adjustment procedures and have to say it's involved. Is there an easier way to check and see if I actually need any adjustment?

Do these trucks with power steering return to center when turning? Mine does not.

She had a hard time at first keeping it straight. She soon got the hang of it. On smooth roads it tracks straight. When she'd change lanes or turn she just had a hard time getting the feel of it. I thought it just drove like a truck. I've pulled our camper with it several times with no promblems but I also drive it everyday. I find I get used to nuisances in my vehicles and don't realize problems.

I wanted to know if this is as good as it gets or maybe I need to visit the front end shop again. Any input you guys have is appreciated.

[abyars111]

Better description of my problem. When I changes lanes I have to make abrupt correction to stay straight after the lane change. I talked with the shop they suspect the rebuilt steering box is too tight and may need adjustment.

[abyars111]

I spoke with other and Redhead and it sounded like the gear box needed a slight adjustment. Redhead wanted me to disconnect the pitman arm and check kin pins, tie rod ends, etch to make sure they moved freely. Then we checked the box and it still had the tight spot when moving from center. We adjusted it and it didn't help. Redhead is sending me a new box to replace this one.

When we get it installed I'll post more. I have to say Redhead couldn't believe it was their box but after we checked everything they did not give me a hard time and were willing to replace it.

[Mancar1]

Yes mine does return. P/S 68 F-250 CS. The P/S was a little loose as the older vehicles tend to be. I put a Moog steering damper on the other day. It was ok before, but the steering going down the HYWY is a lot tighter.

[abyars111]

Shop called and they are happy with the new steering box. I'll pick it this afternoon and see for my self.

[abyars111]

I drove it home tonight and it drives good to me. I'll have my wife test drive it again in a few days and see what she thinks. It certainly doesn't feel like her Expedition.

[Mancar1]

I drove it home tonight and it drives good to me. I'll have my wife test drive it again in a few days and see what she thinks. It certainly doesn't feel like her Expedition.

True and in stock form it never will Wish mine steered like my late wife's Escape.

[abyars111]

I plan to install a steering stabilizer in the next few weeks. I think that will make her feel better because that will smooth out the reaction to large bumps. The steering doesn't return to center very well but Redhead says that will get better with some miles. We have the caster over 4 degrees which is toward the high end of the specs. From my past experience with old vehicles the more caster you can get the better they wheels return to center.