Hey aggie, I think the "bushings" you are referring to are just the seals, or boots, that keep dirt out of the actual ball-and-socket joint that is the actual tie-rod end (or draglink end).
Although they don't indicate directly a worn out joint, they are a reasonable indication that they are well used and probably on their way out.
So you say there is a lot of play just in the box? When you move the steering shaft by hand while looking down at the box, how much of a turn does it take before your pitman arm starts to move?
Yes, you may need a rebuild for your box, but like 76Broncofromhell said, you may be able to get rid of a lot of the overall play by replacing the other components if they're worn out so check them first.
The best way to test the whole system is to have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth, over and over. Not all the way, but just enough to make the tires wiggle. You don't need to go farther than that and you don't have to have the engine running if power steering. And leave the tires on the ground so the weight of the truck is on them.
While your helper is jiggling the wheel, you can lay under the front and look closely at EVERY JOINT from your steering box's mounting bolts, to your rod ends, and all the way out to the balljoints and wheel bearings. If anything is loose, you will see it move where it's not supposed to. If anything moves without moving the next part that it's attached to, it's bad and needs to be replaced. This stuff is normally TIGHT. No play at all. And your tierod should move sideways smoothly, with no rotational movement except for maybe just a little. Any more than a "little" and you waste some of your steering just twisting and not steering.
Now's the best time to look CLOSELY at both the upper and lower trackbar mounting points. Even if it means sticking your finger up in the mount near the upper bolt where you can't see it, to "feel" if it's moving. It should not move at all. Next to a bad steering box, this part is probably the one that will give you the most steering "play", but they can all add up.
As for your question on rebuilding the box, I've only done a manual box and that was easy. Others here have done power boxes so they may have all the ins and outs on it.
I've had shops do it, but not done it myself.
Good luck. Actually, once you get the front end tight, a Bronco will handle and steer surprisingly tight and well for a truck.
Paul
