Sloppy power steering

[72BlueBronco]

I feel my steering is way too loose. whats the best way to tighten it up?
I have power steering and a steering stabilizer on it.
Is there an adjustment on the steering box?
tia

 

[DirtDonk]

What steering box is it, and how old is it?
There really isn't an adjustment for excess wear, but people do it anyway. The preload adjuster screw on top of the sector shaft is supposed to be set at initial time of build and not used for taking up future slack, but up to a point that can work. Care is needed though, or doing so can actually increase/accelerate wear.
You can try it though, if your box is too far gone and is going to need rebuilding anyway.

Have you done the steering test to verify that all of the play is in the gearbox itself? Lots of things on the front of a Bronco can give a loose steering feel. Including loose trackbar mounts, wheel bearings, tie-rod ends and ball joints, etc.

Paul

 

[72BlueBronco]

Thanks for the reply

it's the stock 77 steering box with a saginaw pump.
I'm sure it's in the steering box. all the trackbar bushing are new polyurethane.

I guess I'll looking into a rebulid kit or replacing it.

Thanks again.

 

[tk1218]

You can ship it to PSC Motorsports and get them to rebuild it

Tell not to reduce the turns

 

[FordBronc]

Have you inspected all connected steering and suspension components? Like both ends of the steering shaft spline connections for being tight? The flex(rag) joint connection for being oil soaked/dry rotted and falling apart? The pitman arm, tie rod ends tight?

I would not mess with the steering box preload adjustment screw, unless you are a pro, have experience and the proper tools Done incorrectly it can make the box lock up, and make worn out internals even worse.

Get a quality new one, get it rebuilt from a pro shop. Get a Red Head or Blue Top brand.

https://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/shop?year=1977&make=Ford&model=Bronco

https://bluetopsteeringgears-com.3d...7-Ford-Bronco-Saginaw-Steering-Gear_p_25.html

 

[BGBronco]

I just added 7-degree c bushings and had the steering box rebuilt (West Texas). My only regret was not doing it sooner.

 

[72BlueBronco]

Have you inspected all connected steering and suspension components? Like both ends of the steering shaft spline connections for being tight? The flex(rag) joint connection for being oil soaked/dry rotted and falling apart? The pitman arm, tie rod ends tight?

I would not mess with the steering box preload adjustment screw, unless you are a pro, have experience and the proper tools Done incorrectly it can make the box lock up, and make worn out internals even worse.

Get a quality new one, get it rebuilt from a pro shop. Get a Red Head or Blue Top brand.

https://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/shop?year=1977&make=Ford&model=Bronco

https://bluetopsteeringgears-com.3d...7-Ford-Bronco-Saginaw-Steering-Gear_p_25.html

okay, I think I'll take your advise. rebuilt one it is. Thank you

 

[72BlueBronco]

I just added 7-degree c bushings and had the steering box rebuilt (West Texas). My only regret was not doing it sooner.

I have a 2" lift, would I need 7 degree C bushing?
rebuilt steering box it is.

Thank you.

 

[BGBronco]

It depends on your alignment numbers but I don't recall anyone not needing the extra 7 degrees. Others will comment on this. All i can tell you, from my experience, is that you can't go wrong with better steering and better brakes.

 

[pipeline010]

If everything is tight (tie rods, drag links, etc) with no play, go ahead and tighten that Saginaw.

I had a little slop on mine and I tightened that Saginaw bolt by about 20 degrees. It's been perfect ever since. That was 2 years ago.

Edit -
Ya but be extremely careful. You'll wreck your box being too aggressive. I moved it like 5 degrees at a time and checked. Don't overdo it.

 

[72BlueBronco]

any recommendations on the best place to purchase a re-build steering box?