94 Ranger Steering Part

[elurstej]

I just bought an ext cab 4wheedrive 4.0liter 1994 ranger. Where the steering linkage goes through the firewall there is a metal "can." I think there should be a bushing inside that can, but my ranger does not. The steering linkage just sort of wobbles inside that can. Is this a common replacement part? Autozone lists it as a weather seal, but doesn't show any parts available when I search for weather seal for a ranger. Should I go to the salvage yard and get one out of a junker? How hard will it be for me to replace this part? Is this a safety issue? I'm not driving it now as I have taken the interior out to give it a good cleaning.
Thanks for any tips or pointers.
jim

 

[mrcarcrazy]

I just bought an ext cab 4wheedrive 4.0liter 1994 ranger. Where the steering linkage goes through the firewall there is a metal "can." I think there should be a bushing inside that can, but my ranger does not. The steering linkage just sort of wobbles inside that can. Is this a common replacement part? Autozone lists it as a weather seal, but doesn't show any parts available when I search for weather seal for a ranger. Should I go to the salvage yard and get one out of a junker? How hard will it be for me to replace this part? Is this a safety issue? I'm not driving it now as I have taken the interior out to give it a good cleaning.
Thanks for any tips or pointers.
jim

Is there play in the steering wheel? can you post a pic?

If its what I think it is, I wouldn't suggest you drive it too much like that...I wouldn't consider it safe.