Serious play in my steering

I have some serious play in my steering wheel on my 2nd gen. It probably turns 5 - 6 inches before it even begins to think about turning the wheels. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Also, how hard is it to change out steering columns, say one from a 71-74 Chevy van with tilt in it?
Thanks,
Jeff

On my 67 the steering had a lot of play. I tightened the nuts that hold the draglink at each end and it helped a bunch.

I have the same problem, although not quite as bad. Also to go straight down the road I have to have the wheel turned to the left (I think, dont remember right now) like 20 degrees. How do I make my wheel point straight when the wheels are straight?

It definetly doesnt go straight if I let go of the wheel. Every bump tries to take me one way or another. I was just wondering if I should be conserned that its the gear box or anything. I was planning on getting under there and seeing where the play is coming from. It wouldnt be kingpins would it? I have not read up on those at all but I got the feeling that they are difficult to do.

Is the fill plug in that picture up there the thing thats being pointed to about checking lube? If so then the bolt that needs to be adjusted is the one above that right?

Before I did anything ........I WOULD check the toe in first.

Had the exact same symptoms with my 64 Econoline......

King pins were wore.....but not too bad. In the end I found that "somebody" before I owned it jacked up the front on the tie rod.........this bent it and caused one wheel to point out to the left.

Gave the exact same symptoms you describe.

So check the toe in and all linkage in the front end.

Bad king pins will cause wander.........but that darting from side to side sounds more like a toe in/ alignment issue.

Or likely a combo of things.

But let us know as I always like hearing the culprit & the cure for future reference.

donivan65,
that picture you added of a steering box looks like a new one. can you buy them new? if so, where did you get that one?
thanks,
Jeff

I did the above mentioned techniques yesterday and my steering that was full of slop, now is fine. I just moved the steering box bolt 1/4th of a turn. Is everything else needing repair going to go that easy??? Thanks again,

Matt

Matt Hagan wrote:I did the above mentioned techniques yesterday and my steering that was full of slop, now is fine. I just moved the steering box bolt 1/4th of a turn. Is everything else needing repair going to go that easy??? Thanks again,

Matt

YEA!!!!!!!!!!!
You got off easy. Must be either good karma or..............lulling you into false security before it lets you have it!
LOL

If you adjust it too tight (might not notice it at first) it could lock up on you on a long drive or a hot day.

Later,
Rip

It's probally the easiest fix that does the most improvement. I've usually just counted the turns till it bottomed out then backed it out half way to avoid it from locking up.

Don,
Are the 1st and 2nd Gen Steering gear boxes the same?

DAn