Steering and driveshaft questions

[Fritz180]

I have a 1978 Ford Bronco 351m all wheel drive. I have a problem with my steering, the wheel has about a inch play before it will actually grab and begin to turn the wheel, anyone had any suggestions? Also anyone have any idea how hard it is going to be to replace the l/f universal joint on the drive axle? I know my is making noise but I want to know what I'll be getting myself into.

Thanks for any help.

mike

 

[bob75cj]

Steering prob could be, bad tie rods, bad ball studs (ball joints), or steering box out of adjustment. You need to get under the front of your truck and have someone turn the wheel back and forth. Look for the parts that move where they connect to the parts that don't. There will be your problem. Changing axle ujoint isn't hard, just a pita. You do not have to remove ball joint to do this. Remove locking hub, brake caliper, wheel bearing and rotor. There will be (can't remember which) 5 or 6 bolts that hold on spindle and brake backing plate. Remove the nuts, remove spindle, and pull axle out. Be careful putting axle back in, you can damage the seal if you force it. Now is a good time to change axle bearing and wheel seal too, since you have it apart. Just remember how the hub nuts came apart. Do you mean full time 4x4? No lockouts on hubs? If so remove dust cap opn the end of your axle no the lock out . You will need a special socket to remove the wheel bearing nuts, about $10 for it. hope this helps, Bob

 

[Fritz180]

Thanks, Sounds like it will help, I have looked to see what parts were moving and what parts weren't and the steering shaft turns into the gearbox but nothing after that so I thought it was the gearbox but just wanted to check, because thats a spendy part. Yes it is constantly 4x4 (no locking hubs). Do you know if the universal needs to be pressed out or just hammer it a little??

Thanks

Mike

 

[bob75cj]

Take them out and replace just like a driveshaft ujoint, no difference. Steering box is adjustable, if it's no too worn. You can tighten it a little. Try this thread for some answers. http://broncozone.com/forums/index.php?sho...l=steering+gear

The spindle can be a B to get off. Dead blow hammer, gently. A small chisel spindle and ******, keep moving around the edge. here for the spindles. http://broncozone.com/forums/index.php?sho...dle+replacement

 

[Fritz180]

Thanks for the info. I will give it a shot

 

[Fritz180]

Do you know if the universal needs to be pressed out? I looked at the repair manual I have and its not very descriptive.

 

[BroncoJoe19]

Do you know if the universal needs to be pressed out? I looked at the repair manual I have and its not very descriptive.

I've replaced a number of universals, using a socket and a hammer, but doing it with a C clamp as a press would certainly make the job smoother and easier.

BTW... one can rent/borrow tools from some parts stores like autoZone such as a hammerpuller, and spindle puller, as well as the Ujoint press.

The current AZone policy is that one pays the purchase price of their loaner tools, and if you return them within 30 days you get your money back, so essentially it is free.

 

[Fritz180]

Thanks for the help. I have to try to get it done before the Arizona heat actually kicks in, and I've never done this before, so I'm thinking its going to be a weekend job.