Steering questions

[Brian339]

I posted a thread about this in the steering and suspension but I think more people hang out in this area.
I was looking into this problem a little last weekend and this is what I gound-
My steering wheel has about 4 inches of play or in other words I can move the wheel 4 inches before contact. I checked where the post goes into the box and it seems the problem is right there. I can put my fingers on it and move it back and fourth pretty easy with two fingers.
Anyone have suggestions? This is definetly not one of my strong areas of experience.

Thanks in advance.

[68 Ford Stepside]

Brian: Most steering sector problems on old trucks are due to wear in the components enclosed in the body of the sector. Replacement of the sector of course is the easiest route, however an old unit can be rebuilt if you are fortunate enough to locate the new parts needed. An old unit can sometimes be adjusted to remove some of the loose motion, however it would take a dozen pages of instructions to enable you to do so in the proper manner. The steering sector is not something you just start adjusting on & it's done in fifteen minutes. It takes special tools & a lot of patience to do the job correctly. Considering the sector is what keeps you driving straight down the road, you don't want to take any short cuts in its repair. If you are determined to take on this job your self you definently need a copy of the Ford factory shop manual covering your year & model truck. Have A Great Ford Day!

[Brian339]

Anyone have any reasonable suggestions of where to start.
Thanks in advance.