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very loose steering!


camP95

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Vehicle Year
1995
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ford ranger
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Manual
Hey guys. my steering has about 2.5 inches of play before the wheels engage. I checked all the tie rod ends and the steering coupler and flex joints and they all seem to be fine. I can grab the steering column right at the the input of the steering box and it turns very freely without any movement at the output of the steering box. So I guess my steering box has to be worn out. Ive been told that it is odd for steering boxes to wear out but i guess the truck has 300k clicks on it and had 33 12.5s for a while and a lift haha. Im wondering if anyone has had theirs wear out before and how hard it is to change out. thx in advance any tips would be appreciated. cheers.
 


Mark_88

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Dordge
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3.3 Fuel Injected
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Where are you? I have one from a 1996 Ranger that I've been trying to sell for a year or so now...shipping would be too expensive but if you're in Ontario let me know...

Otherwise...the same box is used in most Rangers and also F-150s of similar vintage...so you might find one at the junkyard with that wide of a product to search...
 
4x4junkie

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So. Calif (SFV)
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1990
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Bronco II
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2.9 V6
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2.9L V6
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2WD / 4WD
4WD
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35x12.50R15
It's possible the meshload is too loose and needs adjustment.

You can try loosening the locknut and adjusting the bolt up on top of the steering gear... Be careful doing this though because it's very easy to bind up the gear if you go too far with it (at best damaging the box, at worst causing a loss of control of the vehicle).

Disconnect the steering linkage from the pitman arm, then go ¼ - ½ turn at a time with the bolt until you just start to feel a little bit of resistance (bind) where the gear passes the straight-ahead (center) position. Back it off just enough to eliminate the bind and retighten the nut.

If your steering still has play afterward, then the steering gear itself may be worn and needs rebuilding or replacement.

As said, there are many vehicles you could try for a good used one... F-150s, 250s, even 350s 1980-1996 all use the same box as your Ranger. '91-'94 Explorers too, 2WD or 4x4.
 
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