Sloppy Seconds - 2nd opinion needed on steering sloppiness

[patrickdotryan]

Hi All,

Moving onto my sloppy steering now and I think I know where the issue is. I've read a lot of the other posts and how-to's here. Just would love a 2nd opinion on where the play is in my stock '71 Ford / Saginaw power steering set up:

With the wheels on the ground (and ignition off), I can turn the stock steering wheel at least 3" at the outer rim before the pitman arm moves at all.

When I turn the steering wheel even a tiny amount (1/8"), I see the whole rag joint turn that same amount and what looks like the bottom part of the rag joint (where it attaches to steering gearbox) move as well, with no discernible loss. So my assumption is my rag joint is OK and all sterering wheel motion is getting translated past the rag joint.

As I turn the steering wheel past the sloppy point, it firms up and then I see the Pitman arm move and begin to move the steering rods and tires

My questions are:

1. Could there be wear / play in the rag joint where it attaches to the steering gear box (splined?), or does that part not usually wear?
2. Could there be wear / play in the Pitman arm where it attaches to the bottom of the gear box? From looks it seems to be pretty firmly splined on.
3. If "no" to the two questions, it sounds like there is a huge amount of play in my steering box. Is that the conclusion that others would reach, as I did?

Thanks,
Patrick

[tsherry]

1) The rag joint should be the first thing to check. One truck I had had been diagnosed with a bad steering box by the P.O. Bought it for $300; discovered a shredded rag joint, replaced it, and drove it for three years before I did a front end alignment. So, start there. Should not be tough to check. BUT, if you can see the shaft move and the rag joint doesn't look damaged, then the problem is probably in the box.
2) Never seen this happen.
3) If not #1, then yes, probably slop in the steering box, but there ought to be some adjustments you can make on this (not terribly familiar with the Saginaw).

[Ranchero50]

My box is pretty loose even after adjusting it within Ford's specs. I ended up installing the steering dampener and the truck no longer wanders like a lost puppy. Best $70 I spent on it.

[windhamdw]

Had the same problem but was about 2 inches on each side a total of four inches. I replaced the just the power steering gear box and power steering pump and the sloop is gone. The issue have now is the steering wheel wil not return to center by its self.

[Busboy]

Any minor play visible in the rag joint with the engine not running is invalid since the p.s. gearbox will start to operate when the input shaft is turned. It sounds as though you need to adjust the lash adjustment. Be careful not to overtighten it. The vehicle will really be hard to drive if you do.