I just got my 68 xr7 with tilt away steering on the road. I replaced all the suspension, steering box, springs. Have new tires and just got the car alligned.
The car wonders or there is a lot of play in the steering2-3”. I have some play in the column, but when I turn the rag joint( have not replaced the rag joint) with my hand while the car is running, I can see the pitman arm move, and the joint on the control valve move (it seems to be where the delay - this is a new rebuilt control valve) then the control valve moves.
Is there anything I should look at or replace
Thank you
Sounds like it might be upper steering column bearings or slack in the tilt mechanism. Have some one hold the rag joint ans see if you can turn the wheel. Also, sometimes the rag joint will taco, which describes what it looks like when it sort of opens up under stress. You can see that best by turning the wheel with the engine not running. Also, alignment is critical.
Hello, I searched for a relevant thread to the point, could not find so apologies if I should post this question somewhere else… I’m looking what is an expected amount of play in the steering wheel.
I realize these old drag-link suspensions are not quite tight like modern day rack and pinions. Over the years I’ve updated most if not all the steering elements. My setup is great for me - the Shelby lowering mod, KYB gas shocks, Firestone Indy 215/65 tires, stock (original) 289 base suspension springs, Front 390 sway bar, rear 3/4" Addco sway bar. I’ve got a good bit of caster so it tracks nice and strait, ~ 1/2 degree negative camber.
I’m a 94 302 roller block with the late 80s power steering pump, but the rack is original with redone hoses. Quite some time ago I swapped out the steering box for a rebuilt one. I’m just over 90,000 miles on the odometer.
When I drive down the road at, say 40ish plus miles per hour where it is tracking straight - I can gently apply steering wheel pressure to the left and right where if moves in a moderate band with no resistance, then quickly firms. The hysteresis band (amount of loose play) is approximately 1/2 of a clock position. There is zero wander - just a steering wheel with a modest amount of play.
I’ve seen the WCCC video on what to do the check all elements, have not yet gotten around to checking again. I thought I would first set my expectations.
For those of you that have recently been through your suspension and eliminated any worn items, tightened your steering box (if applicable), etc. … how much play do you have in your steering? Thanks in advance.
At one point we had two cougars , 67 and 68. The 68 was pretty much bone stock , small block car. Took it to Clark wheel and frame in Roseville ,CA for allignment. Being an old fashioned allignment shop , they asked me how I wanted my 2005 crown vic aligned!! A bunch of caster, wheels basically straight up, a a touch of toe out (sorry zman). The car handled so nice I took all the rest of my “2005 crown vics” down thehill for an allignment…all with the same wonderfu results.
67 and 68 cougar, 63 full size merc sedan and a 47 plymouth