Bought my Stepson a Fixer Upper Ranger.....Need some advice

[Jbentley78]

I bought my stepson a 1993 Ford ranger w/Manual Steering and when I drove it home from the seller, I noticed that the steering is super sloppy. I feel like im driving a clown car, anyways, I need some advice as to where to start looking. Im somewhat mechanically inclined, but manual steering is new to me. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

[Oxxon]

Hello and welcome to TRS!

https://www.therangerstation.com/how-to/

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

Not much difference in manual or power steering as far as being sloppy

Steering shaft has a "links"(rag joints) and universal joint in the engine bay that can get loose
Read here: https://therangerstation.com/tech_library/rag_joint.shtml
Steering box has an adjustment

Pitman arm is attached to tie-rod
tie-rod is attached to wheels
These each have joints that can wear out and get loose

You need to have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth until you can find where it is sloppy

 

[Curious Hound]

Welcome to TRS. The link that Oxxon posted will get you to our tech pages. There are some really great articles there to help you understand the front suspension on that truck. Is it 2wd or 4x4?

First thing would be to get under it and see if you have worn out ball joints, tie rod ends, etc. In the steering linkage. You could also have worn/loose wheel bearings. And there could be worn bushings on the radius arms and/or the axle beam pivots. Any of that stuff could lead to sloppy steering.

Now, with all that said, these trucks have a certain looseness to the steering that is normal. Don't expect it to handle like a brand new BMW. It has been said that you don't steer these trucks. You "herd" them in the direction you want to go..

 

[rusty ol ranger]

First thing id check is the rubber "rag" joint. Ive had quite a few of them fail on my old 70s stuff and it will indeed make it drive like total shit.

But yes some looseness in ford truck steering is normal, but it shouldnt be to the point its hard to control.

Welcome to TRS!

 

[RonD]

Yes, the old saying is "you drive a car, you HERD a Ford"

Its more of a relaxed style of driving....................................lol

 

[Jbentley78]

I appreciate the advice, it is a 2wd. I haven't been under it yet, this is the vehicle he learns how to fix things. Im just trying to get a step ahead to point him in the right direction. Thanks guys, i'm sure I'll be back with more questions. till next time

 

[Jbentley78]

I had an old 89 Lariat 4wd and just recently bought me a 95 f150 for the farm, I enjoy the Ford steering. The ranger is another kind of beast, steering made me nervous.