Steering help/advice Please

[Timmy390]

My bronco’s a 74 it started life as a manual steering rig but was converted over to a Chevy box (input shaft on the outside of the frame, it was a nightmare) so I corrected that issue a few years back with the stock 74 power steering box.

I had steering issue with the factory box. I had excessive play in the steering wheel (2 inches from center on each side so 4 inches total) which I attributed to a warn worm gear. After looking around at box rebuilding services, I decided to upgrade to a Delphi 600 which I bought from Borgeson along with a hose kit.

Before installing I reinforced both sides of the frame with 3/16 plate steel and added .25 wall DOM tubing inside the frame. I also drilled the 4th hole and mounted the box using all 4 holes. It’s not going anywhere or move any.

Fast forward to install being complete and first test drive. My wondering issue is gone and the steering feels tight but now any turn of the wheel sends the bronco into a wobble. It shoots right if you turn right and then shoots left when you correct causing you to then turn right again etc. etc.

I’m running a 2 ½ inch lift with 31’s (265/75/16’s Mud Kings 40 PSI) drop pitman arm and drop track bar. Angles on the track bar and drag link look real good.

I’m looking to replace the tie rods and drag link and get it aligned. Am I missing anything? I don’t want to just keep throwing money at the issue so I’m looking for any advice anyone has.

Tim

 

[Revelation]

Check the track bar bushings, have someone turn the wheel back and forth while you watch everything, then you can see where the issue is.

 

[Timmy390]

Thanks Rev,
I did that prior to the steering conversion and didn't see anything moving in the track bar area. I upgraded the bushings several years back to poly's. The drop bracket doesn't appear to be moving either.

Should I see any movement in the tie rods when turning the wheel? The outer does "submarine" abit before the knuckle starts to move. I took the tie rod off and the rubber bushing is slap warn with the hole being oblonged. I know the tie rods are old as heck and might be the orig's.

Tim

 

[broncnaz]

Sounds like you found your issue worn tierods will cause the problem as look real close at your ball joints make sure they are not worn out as well.

 

[Timmy390]

Well, tie rods it is then. No one in town has them so guess I'll be ordering from a vender. Looks like Tom's has the best prices but I'll do some more checking.

Tim