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- Joined
- Aug 19, 2001
- Messages
- 10,904
- City
- So. Calif (SFV)
- Vehicle Year
- 1990
- Engine
- 2.9 V6
- Transmission
- Manual
- Tire Size
- 35x12.50R15
The box is designed to have the least amount of play while dead on-center. So yes this is where you'd feel any binding if it is adjusted too tight.
Ideally you would disconnect the steering linkage from the pitman arm while checking for binding, but normally the bind comes up pretty quick once you get to that point, so you'll probably feel it either way.
If things don't seem consistent or you can't get the play to an acceptable amount without the box binding, then like said it is probably worn and should be replaced/rebuilt. Remanufactured units are readily available, though I also still see lots of very serviceable units in the junkyard too (note that all 1980-1997 Ford pickups & SUVs having a Twin-Beam axle (both 2WD & 4x4) used the same steering gear, be it a Ranger, or a F-350 (or anything in between), so it should be quite easy to find a good one).
Ideally you would disconnect the steering linkage from the pitman arm while checking for binding, but normally the bind comes up pretty quick once you get to that point, so you'll probably feel it either way.
If things don't seem consistent or you can't get the play to an acceptable amount without the box binding, then like said it is probably worn and should be replaced/rebuilt. Remanufactured units are readily available, though I also still see lots of very serviceable units in the junkyard too (note that all 1980-1997 Ford pickups & SUVs having a Twin-Beam axle (both 2WD & 4x4) used the same steering gear, be it a Ranger, or a F-350 (or anything in between), so it should be quite easy to find a good one).
