Tight steering

[Darren]

My '71 Sport custom (parked for 8+ yrs.) has the tightest steering I've ever had to fight. I have been told that maybe the ball/worm gear assy. in the steering box has seized and that a little liquid duct tape (Marvel Mystery Oil) in the box will free it up. Don't know if that's the case or not.

I don't see on the forum a similar conundrum, so I patiently wait on free advice from one of you smarties out there.

Prior experience with neglected vehicles has taught that If one is rescuing one, be prepared to shell out the $ for new fuel and brake systems at a minimum. If your old truck isn't running right, the carb is the enemy.

[heep70]

Dude, I would grease up all the zerks king pins, ball joints, drag link and what ever else you can then take it out for a drive. Even spend some time in an empty parking lot. I have never heard of the gear box freezing up unless water got into it. Then you are in trouble. The armstrong steering in these Fords are a bear to turn anyway.

[jzjames]

Absolutely. I replaced my <loose> steering box with one from Autozone @ $129 a few years back, and a drag link from the same. Managed to coax the grease into the kingpins and now the steering is like new. It is only a little stiff when turning out from a stop or at really slow speed.

[fordman]

hey i can't hurt it. why not try it.

[Darren]

Noticed yesterday that the kingpins were just a little dry! Will try to find ye olde greasegun and give 'er the once over. Thanks for the help.

I went to grade school in Rogers: Westside, Southside and Oakdale Jr. Hi. Finally ended up in Beautiful downtown Siloam Springs.

[rjewkes]

P.S. You may need to get a small pionted deal(the end of a test light probe) And try to gently force the ltitle ball bearin thing in the zerks to open.