Steering linkage help needed

[BeardedBlues]

So, I'm making progress with this Bronco finally and Just when I think I've got something under control....I find something else that needs replacing. Here are a few photos with parts that I have questions about. Thanks for all of the support!


Photo's 1 and 2 - This shows where I have a bunch of slack / movement. Will this thing fall apart while I am driving down the road? I have a 3 speed on the column right now and would like to hold off on a steering column upgrade if possible. Are there parts that I can replace to tighten things up here?


Photo 3 - I had someone else install the new shaft when my suspension and body lift was installed. Should the little grooves be showing that much? I really don't want this to come apart while I'm driving either!


Thanks again!

 

[broncodriver99]

pics 1 and 2. Looks like the lower column bearing is shot. May be able to replace just the bearing. May require more depending on how worn everything behind the bearing is. What year? I have an old junk 73+ column that may have a good bearing.

Pic 3. Looks like about 3/4-1" of spline engagement. Should be okay. I try to get them all the way down, but if that shaft is pinned you get what you get. You may be able to loosen the set screws and work it down a little more and retighten.

 

[BeardedBlues]

Thanks for the help. It's a 74 and it's pretty worn. I just checked Wild Horses and found an Upper and Lower column bearing for $17.99. I'm guessing that if the lower is worn that bad then the upper needs replacing too. I appreciate the bearing offer but I'll just get them from a vender if that's what's needed.


http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Up_or_low_column_Bearing_7476yr/Bronco_Stock_Column_Parts





Do I need a column bearing sleeve too?
http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Bearing_Sleeve_7477yr/Bronco_Stock_Column_Parts


Should I get anything else?

 

[bknbronco]

Try loosening that clamp up and pushing it up tighter on the lower column bushing. Might just do the trick. I dont remember any bearing but instead a white plastic bushing thats cupped. If that clamp ant tight the cupped bushing wont ride in the column correctly and will cause the steering shaft to flop around.

 

[surfer-b]

Do I need a column bearing sleeve too?

Maybe, maybe not, I have replaced a few and never had to replace the sleeve but it all depends on how much wear it has. If you have good bearing store close just get the #'s from the bearings and they can cross refrence them, however if you need the sleeve you may as well just order all of it.

 

[Justafordguy]

You really need to take it apart first so you will know what you need to order.

 

[DirtDonk]

Hi Jeff.
Not sure about the splines on the box. It does initially look like it's slightly too much, but not at a dangerous level. See if you can wobble the joint on the shaft though. It should be tight and not move in and out, OR wobble sideways.
Easy enough to check though. Loosen the lock-nut and set screw and see if you can slide the joint off the box.
When you do that, you can see how much engagement there is, and if the set-screw is in the recess rather than on the splines.

Regarding the other stuff, what month was your truck built? Reason I ask is that if it's a very early '74, there's always the possibility that you have some '73 stuff in there as well.

Best thing for that (as far as I am concerned) is to e-mail those pics to sales@wildhorses4x4.com and see if someone can recognize any specific needs you might have there.

I see a clamp down low there in the first two pics, away from the lower bearing. That piece is "normally" supposed to be slid up against the lower bearing collar (early style at least) to hold tension on the entire assembly.
With it down low and separate from the bearing like that, things would be very loose and floppy.

Someone at the shop answering e-mails should be able to check that aspect out and let you know if you need any new parts or just to adjust the existing ones.
It sure looks like an early column to me, but I'm not the resident expert either.
Hence the suggestion to e-mail us as well as ask the experts here.

With luck you'll only need to grease and adjust things, instead of buying parts.
At least they're inexpensive though. So when in doubt...

Good luck.

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

Wanted to mention something else, but keep it as a separate post since my comments in the previous one were already running on.
Looks like the upper joint is welded to the shaft. Is that correct?
While it's doable, and many have done it that way, you're not really supposed to weld next to this type of u-joint.
If not done carefully, any internal seals can melt, or excessive heat can mess with the metallurgy of the joint itself.

Just wanted to mention that, so you can check the condition of the upper joint with that in mind. Give it some good twisting and wobbling to make sure it's moving smoothly, but still good and tight.

And check out our YouTube video on how to use a " 3/4" Double-D " type joint with some minor mods done to the upper shaft.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-6VJSzaojI&feature=relmfu

Not sure you still have enough shaft to do that, should it ever become necessary, but it's easy enough to take a few measurements and compare the lengths to the collapsible shaft.

The vid shows another interesting option for steering, and is good entertainment if nothing else!
Enjoy.

Paul