Shaky n' Shakin' Steering

[jprado]

The steering on my 69' f 100 (no power steering) is shaky and shaking from side to side.
I've been told its on account of the idle bar (or was that idle arm?).
This needs to be replaced.

In fact, recently there's been some rattling somewhere on the front end of the pick up - that's where it seems to be anyway.

Might this rattling be a consequence of the idle bar/idle arm?
I hear the rattling at times and once I hit about 40 mph.
Again, it doesn't always rattle.

I do sincerely appreciate your attention.

Many thanks!

[fordman]

jack up the front of the truck and support it on stands. have someone get in the truck and shake the steering wheel back and forth. look at these parts. steering coupler (rag joint) tied rod end balls and socket. drag link ball and sockets. . after that stop moving the steering wheel and then grab the top and bottom of each tire and try to move it in and out. it shouldnt move at all. you should see your slack in there someplace. if not go have the tires checked out. one of them could have a broken belt in it.