Steering column interchangability?

[kc0stp]

Alright so in chasing down the slack in my steering (and the leak) found that the magority of the slack was coming from the slip joint in the column (between the u-joint by the firewall and the u-joint just above the gearbox). Would a portion from a gasser model work or just diesels (figure it shouldnt matter but just to be sure)? Diffrent generations or just 87-91?

And for the record thinking the leak is either the gearbox or the lines just above it (gearbox is the remainder of the slack now that Ive replaced tie rods) so once funds come avalible both of those will be replaced.

 

[RLDSL]

Alright so in chasing down the slack in my steering (and the leak) found that the magority of the slack was coming from the slip joint in the column (between the u-joint by the firewall and the u-joint just above the gearbox). Would a portion from a gasser model work or just diesels (figure it shouldnt matter but just to be sure)? Diffrent generations or just 87-91?

And for the record thinking the leak is either the gearbox or the lines just above it (gearbox is the remainder of the slack now that Ive replaced tie rods) so once funds come avalible both of those will be replaced.

Is teh play in the shaft or the rubber round disk ( Rag Joint)? if it's early enough and its the rag joint , easy fix for about 20 bucks, after a certain year it is no longer cheap. My 92 lists a cheap one in everyones catalog, but it doesnt fit, it requires a full shaft replacement from teh dealer for over 200 bucks, I opted for a Borgeson shaft for a little more that eliminates the rag joint and replaces with a u joint for much tighter steering. If your shaft itself is pooched, then a borgeson is the way to go

 

[kc0stp]

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Circled is roughly where the play is, top of the picture (just out of frame) is the u-joint as it comes through the firewall, just below (and covered in PS fluid/grease) is the gearbox/rubber round disk you speak of. Looks like its basiclly a slip joint/telcopic future of the steering column to account for front end movement (up/down) and the internals are well past worn out (can get probbly 10-20degrees free play out of steering wheel)

 

[MIDNIGHT RIDER]

Just to correct your terminology a wee bit :

The "column" is the portion of the steering which is on the interior side of the fire-wall.

The portion you describe as causing your problem is the "steering shaft".

Ford really screwed up in their location of the "rag-joint" coupling down low amongst all the grime and fluids.

Rather than trying to repair the factory Ford mess, instead, replace the entire steering-shaft with a much better all U-joint one from either Flaming River or Borgeson.

I have the deluxe Borgeson on mine, but the Flaming River appears to be the better shaft.

I ?think? MEL has the Flaming River on his "Moose" truck; if so, maybe he will provide some pictures.


As for the steering gear-box, dont settle for anything less than a genuine RedHead Steering replacement; that is what myself, RSDSL, and several others have and the improvement in steering control over even a brand-new box from Ford is amazing.