Help needed, 91 Ranger power steering to manual steering conversion

[G McMahon]

Good day, Ranger Station! I completed swapping in a manual steering gearbox for the power steering System. After having the truck aligned, it has developed an annoying clicking/thunking that feels like it’s in the steering column. Other than that, the truck drives just fine, albeit hard (but not horrible!) to turn when stationary.

I’ve been under the front of the truck while someone turned the steering wheel to make the noise, and it definitely does not feel like it’s part of the linkages nor the pitman arm nor the gearbox itself.

Any thoughts or comments about how to diagnose and correct this issue? As always, I appreciate the comments and direction from folks on this forum. Thanks all. Cheers!

 

[SenorNoob]

Is it noticeable from outside the cab at all? If not maybe the cam setup on the turn signal switch? Would be an awful coincidence but...

 

[G McMahon]

Is it noticeable from outside the cab at all? If not maybe the cam setup on the turn signal switch? Would be an awful coincidence but...

I will check that out. It is noticeable outside the cab, can hear it in the engine compartment, but can’t isolate the source on the sector shaft. I will let you know. Thanks for the tip. Cheers!

 

[G McMahon]

SMF… turns out it was the little plastic cup that shrouds the rag joint. The flaps on the steering wheel end of the cup were bent inwards just enough to contact the rag joint every time it went around. I was surprised how much noise and feedback that sent up through the steering column. Problem solved!

 

[SenorNoob]

Nice! Glad it was a relatively simple fix.