DIY or SOL?? Steering slop FIX on our OBS!

DIY everything? Seems like when we hire people to do stuff it’s rarely satisfactory! Getting our OBS Ford ready for a road trip pulling an RV!
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[@justinwatch]

Get a box wrench and an allen wrench, whatever size it is on your steering box on the top. Take the box wrench and crack the nut and take your allen wrench and turn the worm gear a quarter turn and tighten the lock nut back. Start it up and see if the slop got any better. If it did but it's still too loose repeat in quarter turn increments. Just don't make the steering box too tight because you can accidentally do that, then it will wear out.

[@tony92368]

This is the right thing to do to get the slop out of your steering

[@001snapshot]

@@tony92368 I was pretty sure there was a way to adjust that SB...like you said...I was gona comment it myself...ya beatme2it...:)

[@jamescoatney6934]

Hello Aaron and Emily to get the slop out of the OBS just the worm gear at the top of the steering box

[@ggmmiillff]

This. but New is always a good alternative lol

[@charlestaylor3426]

Do guys do carburetor rebuilds

[@AaronHardinPhoto]

Just a reminder of how good it is to see Aaron's arms working and fixing his rig. And its always good to see the OBS! I love that truck.

[@richardgabel33]

Aaron...there is an adjustment on the box to take up slop. On top is a nut with a stud that takes either a slotted screw driver or an Allen wrench. Loosen nut, adjust stud and test as you go for slack. Don’t over tighten as it will wear out the box. Get to no slack position and tighten the nut. Easy fix but be careful with the tightness of adjustment screw. Have fun and stay safe. Nice hair this week Emily.

[@kevinflynn9204]

If you need to adjust it......its already worn out.......

[@richardgabel33]

That is not correct. While it might be shot, I would believe the remanufactured unit was within rebuild tolerances except for adjustment of gear. If it never needed to be adjusted, it would not have been made with adjustment screw. Adjust the newly installed box after you look at the video where it seems to show slop at the splines. It that case crank the bolts on the mating collar and squeeze the shaft. Maybe Emily can help with that ! You don’t want any play at the connection. See if I am right before you drive that thing on a highway. Last thing you want is to lose steering at road speed and in traffic. Stay safe guys. Aaron, the get Emily to help goes along with your floppy disc. You two are my favorites. See you next video.

[@leftyo9589]

@@kevinflynn9204 or their parts store rebuild wasnt set up correctly............

[@tonysansom]

I did an apprenticeship as a HGV Fitter nearly 4 decades ago. Since then I've owned various cars, motorbikes, mountain bikes and nitro RC trucks. "Fine! I'll fix it myself!" has become more or less a way of life for me.

[@seandayma]

It's great that Aaron doesn't give up easily.

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

Just had to have my local shop do an HPOP on my 96 F250 7.3 powerstroke last week. Fortunately they are a GR8 shop and I completely trust their work on my rig. I used to do a vast majority of my own work on her, but a stroke took that ability away! Love seeing ya all keeping the old rigs runnin!!!

[@4Truth4All]

Hey, it looked like there was some play where the steering knuckle attached to the steering box spline. Maybe just a camera angle? Great episode!

[@David-jz1qh]

I saw that too looked like the joint was still loose !

[@scotty640]

Definitely

[@Mikewillys]

@@4Truth4All I agree

[@douglasarmstrong2748]

It is really difficult to find a good shop these days. I had one for many years but he retired and the new owners have a different mind set on things. Good for you guys!

[@mayflowerlash11]

I own a '93 Volvo 940 ( don't judge me) and I live in rural Australia where there are NO Volvo mechanics. I am also getting used to saying "fine I'll fix it myself". I do search for knowledgable resources before I decide what to do. But just occasionally I'd like to have someone say, "I know what's wrong" and have them fix it. Segue to another comment. I love the way you two are down to earth. Your work in the shop doesn't need glossy production values. Just give us the straight story, no BS. And you do. Thanks.

[@001snapshot]

My 1st year of marriage, one day the wife came home all upset cause her car didnt pass inspection. I asked why and she said the garage told her she needed breaks done and quoted her some thing like $600 "sorry was 33ish years ago". My dad was a master mechanic in the airforce so you bttr believe!! I had done a few up to that point in my life. So for lees that $100 I swept away her tears...and it passed inspection....I took it that time.

[@rsvp-realscalevehiclesproj6965]

3-4 uggaduggas and 2-3 bbrrrtttss and there's your torque!! 😂

[@bobbolieu9013]

Yep, I enjoyed watch you showed us. Always do. BTW a few weeks ago I came across Little Grip Garage. It is so good watching Little Grip work on things. He a wrench from the same tool box. Good and funny.

[@georgebrooks1077]

Totaly enjoy watching you and Emily fixing vehicles

[@rionstretton8133]

Aaron has a great sense of humour 😂. Love you guys and girls ❤

[@TechForceFoundation]

Emily thanks for wearing the Cummins t-shirt. They are a new partner of ours championing future techs. That being said we also appreciate Ford who has been a long time partner. We are facilitating over $2 million dollars in scholarships to future techs for Ford.🎉 Techs Rock and so do you and Aaron.

[@justinwatch]

Aaron's large... brain. Giggle giggle. 5 seconds in and already with the innuendo. 😂 smh. That's just like when you were working on the camper trailer with a floppy disc. 😂

[@MichaelSmith-kr9qw]

I have had great success with CenterForce Dual Friction clutches and pressure plates in all of my trucks over the years. Nice and smooth engagement

[@charlesdalton985]

Very long story short. The worst experience I ever had was an over heating brake, front passenger. We were going out of town, and I was short on time, so I took it to a recommended shop. $500 later, still have the issue, and they had broken several things under the hood (dash was lit up like a Christmas tree). Got back home, and looked for myself. Vents in the rotor were dirty, 5 minutes, and the brake problem was fixed. Spent the next several days replacing broken lines under the hood to clear the codes. Good news - I have shop now that is incredible. So when I'm short on time, tools, or talent - they are there.

[@brianadams2127]

Blue top steering box will eliminate that play. They’re spendy but well worth the cost.

[@peterspozetta9445]

Shops not doing the job properly is what got me into working on cars. It definitely comes in handy knowing how to fix most things.

[@mikemullay5622]

That was a great line Aaron!!!

[@flyingsparksgarage]

@@mikemullay5622 he’s so clever 🤓

[@coreywhitacre6581]

Heck yeah, it’s always better to DIY. Saves money and it’s more satisfying. Love that era of trucks.

[@rcadd1ct]

I was so irritated at shops that did so so work. Wife said you can build the car, but the caveat was I had to do everything I could and not farm it out. It went from a basket case to a driving project car that hadn’t ran in over 30years. Gawd I love her.

[@deals360]

I love"Fine I will do it myself". That's me all the way. I have not put any of my vehicles in a shop for over 30 years. I fix all my own stuff.

[@jmartin4030]

Torque setting, 3 dugga dugs, perfect 👍

[@hotrodsales]

Tighten the clamp on the shaft at the steering box..you can see it move inside the coupler

[@chriskelley1115]

You are correct. Connected to the Steering box is the pitman arm and the other is the drag link. The long bar you pulled first are the tire rods. So funny I have a 78 f250 and its exactly the same setup.

[@my357mags]

I worked at one heavy truck shop, but we also worked on cars & light trucks. Worked there for around 13 years. Didn't rip people off at all...they only got what it needed. Worked at another shop & that place would rip off there own grandmother. Needless too say I wasn't there long! I hate that crap! Some people have no ethics! Those solid axle Ford front ends always have slop in them...can also have slop in spring pins & bushings. You feel all of that at your steering wheel. Oh, and it's not just solid axle Fords, that goes for all makes. Enjoy your videos guys! 👍

[@jessesager9460]

I can hardcore relate to the whole deal about garages incorrectly diagnosing issues and costing time and money. Most recent episode was getting new tires on my Camaro. Somehow a wheel that ran perfect before, suddenly was “bent”, took 9oz and ended up shaking like crazy. Went thru the trouble of having the wheel checked by an alloy wheel repair outfit, the wheel was perfectly fine. Took this wheel to a completely different shop, it took 3/4 of an ounce and balanced perfectly. And of course the other front wheel was way out of whack also and needed corrected. Such a run around! 🤣

[@haroldwalters6409]

Look at minute 14:22 I can see the solp with the graebox and the steering shaft. Love the two of you. Good luck.

[@Nine_Finger_Wrenching]

LOL 😂 Aaron’s got jokes. Had a “Powerstroke” shirt but it broke. 😂

[@StephenKlena]

Good deal. It’s good to watch honest people.Thank you ✅

[@user-ku8qk7iy9q]

Love that style of Ford Truck!

[@jimseals8659]

I bought one of the first year S-10 pickups and at about 60K miles started having problems with it intermittently running bad. I took it to two different shops and spent about 400 dollars and still had the same problem. I bought a book that explained the electronic ignition system on it, diagnosed it to a module in the distributor, took that module to my local autoparts store where they tested it bad and told me what my symptoms were. I put that 6 dollar part in and went away happy.

[@philgrimsey3637]

3am in the uk and I just got in from work. Quick snack and FSG before bed. Perfect 👌

[@bryanbsa8927]

There used to be an adjustment grub/nut on old steering boxes. One of those "insert screwdriver - Loosen nut - tighten screwdriver/grub a bit, and while holding the grub , tighten nut, done!

[@JUNKEdDudek]

NICE! Yes been there done that! That’s why I work on everything myself! From the car to the house! Everything’s! Don’t trust other people!

[@GorhamWorks]

Legit truth, even oil changes are risky it feels like.

[@oldseabee2938]

Look into Redhead steering gear boxes. They are a refurbished OEM boxes that are remilled and added better bearings and gears and everything. I put one in my 07 Cummins and it fixed my steering issues! Been running it for over 8 years now and still cannot complain.

[@adrianberryhill]

Retweet! Just put one in our excursion and was very impressed

[@dondavis6997]

I agree with you. I hate sloppy steering, it's just I. Replaced the one on my truck. Mine had originally manual steering. I switched it to power and then I had to switch it again when I went to 4 wheel drive. It was so much fun. And the best part is they try to rip you off and say oh, you're steering box costs more. Because it's a different steering wheel. A different box because yeah, you're your 4 wheel drive box cost Moyes rip-off. Because we just went through it all. They basically take the same box from 2 wheel drive off of one ton all the way up to 87 or so for my truck. For full will drive. With a slight modification for the Lines

[@jessejames1395]

Redhead or blue top steering boxes are the way to go!!!

[@IndianaTony]

I've had 50/50 experiences with shops, and try to do as much as I can on my own now. Plus, if I wanted it done wrong, that's my specialty and I charge a lot less.

[@josephvantreeck2989]

thanks you two

[@jenbeckman6318]

Thanks to you two. Great episode!!!

[@TheCrackerBox]

Thanks for another Guys !

[@bobtucker8875]

Very interesting 🧐 thanks for sharing guys 🙂.

[@wranglerastro596]

I had been chasing after my steering play for a number of years. I have had my mechanics shop change the steering box three times with remanufactured units. Every one of them did not take out the slop. There remained at least 3/4 inch play at the steering wheel. Finally I sprung for a brand new OEM steering box. It took out the steering play after making the sector gear adjustment. The final play I have left is about a quarter inch steering play. I could chance adjusting the sector gear a little bit more but worry that I would over adjust so I left it be.

[@robert.brokaw3829]

Have fun and stay safe.

[@brianmidkiff3145]

Most times the gearbox don't ware out because of play. You need to adjust the worm gear on top and you have to test it with the engine running because of the pressure from the power steering pump. Only adjust the worm gear in 1/4 turns at a time because if you go to far the steering will lock up all ways turn it from stop to stop

[@JK-gn6qr]

Consider checking the Pitman arm for play after adjusting the box.

[@steveb591]

It's a good day when you save a rubber

[@rionstretton8133]

😂ha ha ha ha

[@richardharvey8939]

Great as always

[@patrickdowning5496]

10 years ago driving across the country with my truck my wife two little kids and everything we owned on a trailer I kept having intermittent power loss. Normally I do all my own work but all my tools were packed deep in the trailer. I wound up having to stop at an unnamed chain exhaust/garage in Nebraska to have the truck looked at. This was an OBD 1 truck so electronic diagnostics were troublesome for those who weren't familiar with old junk (no after cat O2). Due to a rattle, massive carbon buildup on the tailpipe, a couple other things, plus the 1500 miles of driving to think about it I was sure the cat was failing. After I told them what I believed it was the garage did everything they could think of that wasn't the cat. Spark plugs, fuel filter, a cat back exhaust and none of it really fixed the issue plus we lost 2 days travel time in the process. I wound up just having to cannonball and limp the next 1500 miles getting horrible mileage and 45-50mph top speed. As soon as my tools were unpacked I unbolted the 4 bolts holding in the cat and sure enough the catalyst had broken up and turned sideways rattling all over the place. I was not amused.

[@jeffdickerson3]

Great video both of you 👍

[@texasspeed2003]

Getting used to that nice bronco steering Iol the OBS Ford got a little slop no matter what. Y’all are my favorite KZbin channel thanks

[@ronaldwarren5220]

Great video. Thank you!

[@chappy5538]

Have a great camping trip enjoyed the video.

[@scottleininger6201]

Great Job Guys I love the ole Ford. 🤠🤠🤠

[@gregdawson1909]

TRY adjusting your steering box first! Our 2000 super duty was sloppy steering too, the solution we found was to adjust the steering box backlash, its got a little screw and lock nut, you adjust it. Little goes a long way and you want to do a full lock to lock after every adjustment to be sure its not binding at the extremes where its not so worn. I got mine from about 6" of play down to 1.5" or so. do it with the front end jacked up and the engine off so you can feel if you have binding. its easy and free to try.

[@mitchelllavalley3497]

Like you said it's all in the engineering you just have to keep your chin up and that's what you both do and am glad you do! 👍

[@zoomwithsmokeybear2597]

It's very good that you're teaching your daughter how to work on her own vehicle. That way, when she flies the coup, she will not get rip of. I would highly recommend she would take couple semesters of auto mechanics so she would have her own electronic test for reading codes. Just think if she took it to a repair shop and told what to fix, and came back said there was another $250.00 in repair and says that she is a master mechanic and her code reader. And say just fix the problem I told you to fix.

[@Mikewillys]

You could see it wasn’t the shaft by looking at it when rocking the wheel back and forth. Could see it was in the box

[@chriskelley1115]

Many of these gear boxes have an adjustment for play. Not sure when they changed from having to disassemble and easy adjustment from top. Look at the type of gearbox you have and see if there is a screw coming out that has a lock nut on it. The screw will have a spot for a flat blade driver. Loosen the nut and turn the flat blade clockwise 1/4 turn,. lock it back down and should be better. If it had a cover plat that needs removed you will have to research that. My dad was good at it but i never learned how to adjust those.

[@ichtus27]

3 minutes in: fine i do it myself, yes on my scooter. They say here its 4t and idle is hovering not stable seen its 4t. I learned how to adjust airschrew and all and i its lean or running great now. I named my scooter Sonic-2 and i adjusted it at the point of highes power /rpm seen little bit more and it loses power so not the most rpm. The dealershop i bought my scooter was shocked how wel it runs and how lean( real strong and fast and 1ltr/44km). I told him how things work, then to see Aron work on things if great seen i reconize and learn new things. Great joy to watch this all.

[@dannico58]

you're right about the Pitman Arm, but they call the frame mount side the Idler Arm

[@renoflames]

Excellent Video, Thanks and have a Safe 4th of July.. I am already at the lake.

[@juneladden5151]

My husband and I watched the video it was awesome you and Aaron Crack me up ❤❤❤

[@adematthewsracing]

Happens to me all the time. Every single time I pay someone to do a job it takes far, far longer than promised and/or isn't done properly. People are always saying I do too much myself but it's not by choice. Got to the stage now where people want me to do jobs for them.

[@marksearcy9708]

Great work! I did not realize the later model Ford truck steering was that easy. I am use to the old school 67-70 model and they can be a pain.😁👍👍

[@scottwheeler2494]

It's called a "wall job". That's when they park it up against the wall and when you come back it's either still parked there or they put it back after "fixing" it. But even after two weeks or two months, it's still broke despite a substantial bill. Too many shops are ran either by crooks or idiots or both. I used to DIY always, but after messing up my back and getting much older I have to depend on a mechanic somewhere. Finding a good one is hitting the lottery.

[@rsvp-realscalevehiclesproj6965]

We'll be at Iola!! Can't wait!! 👍😁👍😊

[@spencerjhog4429]

Well done kids. Pretty much the way all OBS thru 7.3's drive.

[@DirtFloorGargae]

Like others have said you can tighten the gear up. This is very common on square bidy chevy trucks and the old fords

[@santathomhigh110]

I I’m curious about you swing shackle swap. Jeep runs the swing on the very front of the frame and the very back of the frame. In order to create a smoother ride, we swap the front shackle to the rear of the spring. Makes a big difference in both on and off road driving….just my 2 sense;-)

[@seabee8454]

Those steering shaft rag joints are notorious for play/slop even new. Boregson makes a replacement ujoint style kit you should check out. Just did this job on my 1972 k10! Thanks for the great content

[@whatsoutthere6822]

A loose worm gear in the steering box will create play. They're easy to adjust.

[@shelbydog1100]

Ever since I’ve been in my wheelchair I’ve had it happen more than once. I really miss being able to work on my own junk.

[@reginalddelange9356]

Steering can be adjusted. Wel atleast the one we have in south africa. But it is kind off double edge sword. If you have it tigth it does straighten itself. Big nut to lock and bolt that you turn in and out with flathead screwdriver. Wheel size also plays a role, so can adjust and test.

[@FixLife119]

This will piss you off but there should be an adjustment on the steering box to take up that slop. Usually looks like a stud with a nut on it, its kinda like adjusting valve lash, loosen the nut and turn the stud a small amount (half a turn might do it), you should be able to get that slop out, just don't bind it up. Hope this helps.

[@IggyCotton]

I don't know if it was me or just an optical conclusion on my part, But the connection on the spline shaft on the steering box seemed to be rocking on the spline teeth ever so slight. The nut which tightens the lock collar may need a few more Uggaa Duggaa's to close up that gap.. Hopefully it's at least a grade 5 bolt, but please don't snap it.. Love you videos guys!

[@JimmyKoch-sl7gp]

Don't forget to check the grease in both rear ends . You could always back off the jam nut and then tighten the center Alan stud down a quarter of a turn, and then check the slob in the steering. First thing to do before you buy a new steering box ! And also if you have time you could always install hydraulic throughout bearing and reservoir to make the clutch a lot easier to engage. Just a thought . Love youall videos. Keep on truckin on..

[@magpiemak5981]

Hey guys, At 14.22, the spline is not grabbing the knuckle properly. There are a few others who noticed this in the comments. I'm sure you tightened the clamp and all is fine. We care about you and wanted to let you know if you missed it. Love watching ya'll from little ole' New Zealand. Lookin forward to your camping trip! It's the middle of winter down here

[@DennisMcGrew]

great as always great content very entertaining

[@RobSharp-wo5qj]

I worked at a Ford Dealership back in the late 70s and even new trucks the steering was sloppy. And some of the things that the dealer had us do I didnt agree with.

[@rccrazy5556]

steering boxes should have a adjuster screw on top somewhere so you can adjust out the play. never done it on a truck like that but my old landy had play in steering box and a little turn in at a time and all play was gone

[@rdyardie]

Yes, fix it yourself if you are able. Great video.

[@TheRunner72]

Did an LT-1 Optispark Replacement cause no one else wanted to do it. Runs good now

[@kellybasham3113]

Love your videos

[@dondavis6997]

Oh, you're gonna love it so much.Oh I love plasma cutters.Oh, God. They're so wonderful.I've run over before.I've used them when I was at work.I'd love to have one again

[@jim-kalliedunn-md4bz]

Aaron , You are a lucky man !! 😊

[@daner.d]

look for an adjustment screw, kinda looks like a valve rocker adjustment center screw with a lock nut. tighten just enough to remove slack, you'll know pretty quick if you got it

[@danielrobey1759]

I miss my '97 powestroke,such a great truck!

[@darrellhallock7312]

I miss my truck also

[@212caboose]

The OBS makes me happy

[@evergreenacres]

Yes I have been screwed many times but I can’t do my own work because of back injury.

[@muuan_juha]

"You have one but it broke"😂

[@archstanton9206]

Aaron love the truck! Only new vehicle I have ever bought was a 97 F350 PSD 4x4. . I loved it, planned to keep it forever, sunk a ton of $ into it and...well life happened. The one thing I would consider as far as bang for the buck is a Terminator HPOP. Joey at Terminator in Modesto CA knows these trucks inside and out and I wound up with a prototype T-500 on my truck years ago... That was an incredible wake up in throttle response and overall performance I wrote you a long email about some other stuff but I suspect you probably never got it..Anyway hang on to that old girl...I did a dually conversion on mine to tow heavy...what a difference!

[@johnhrynyk8521]

IF that pickup is a 4wd with a Dana front axle and Ford's Frame is no stronger than a Dodge, The frame may be flexing at the steering box. I had to buy and install a stiffner kit on Gransons 92 W250 Dodge with a Cummins. The oversize front tires also put more stress on the frame. Next check the ball joints on the dana axle if so equipped. There are instructional vids that show how to adjust a steering box. I think adjustments need to be made with a dry (no fluid) box. Upper adjustment under the rag joint. Sector shaft should have lock nut on adjuster screw. Main thing check for frame flex or Drag link bowing with the strain from the big tires

[@Midwest-small-engine]

Hope to catch ya at Iola this time around

[@jamesmallinger9555]

Now you know how I learned about vehicles ❤LoveJim J&R mobile service and God Bless y'all and your critters

[@chrissummers2689]

I completely emphasize with you about taking my vehicles to a shop. Took my boat in for a tune up, cost me $2K for carb rebuilds (6 carbs on a Johnson 150). Result, the boat runs worse than it did before I took it in. Took it back and he didn't touch it for two weeks with numerous promises and excuses. After Hours Marine in Summerville, SC did nothing to fix the issue. I doing all of the work now.

[@lancmac]

Isnt that a recirculating bearing steering box????? Kind of typical for that vintage... There is an adjustment nut on top that will take the play (clearance) on the recirculating bearings and make the box tighter... It was done to compensate for wear back in those years.. You can try adjusting the nut to take more clearance out but remember too tight will destroy the spiral race or bearings....