Hey guys Im' new to Bronco ownership 1992 XLT and was wondering how much play is normal in the steering wheel? I have a new steering gearbox on her and my mechanic says play is normal. It seems excessive though. I'm a mechanic by trade but not on automotive vehicles. Does anyone know the proper procedure to adjusting the set screw on the gear box? The play is definitely in the gearbox. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks a lot

Bronco Newbie

First welcome to the zone...second adjusting the slack adjuster is real tricky...if you've never done it i wouldn't advise trying it...you might get it right then again you might not and could end up broncoless or worse real fast...some play in the steering box is acceptable on these trucks...but by that i don't mean having to fight to keep it straight between the lines....if it's that bad replace it don't toy with it....they don't cost that much and are already pre-adjusted...i think the last one i bought was around $80 reman'd and new a little higher....have you checked your alinment that could cause a little pull or wandering on uneven roads....

Thanks for the help, I just got got done adjusting the screw all the way in and then returning it back to the starting point and it seems to have helped. I still have a little slack but much better than before. After reading your post I'm worried that I might have messed something up, what should I look for? I've been reading post for the past few days and I'm greatly impressed with the knowledge and companionship of this forum. Thanks for again for the help.

Newbie

Just watch for any binding or hard spots..(i meant feel through the steering wheel)...it should be fine...you may have got it right the first time there is just a 50/50 chance there...sometimes it's just a temp.fix but then again it might last a couple yrs...just be easy on her for awhile and if it starts binding or gettig hard to turn replace it.....and that's what we are all here for to lend a helping hand to fellow bronco brothers....ooops and sisters.....

Sounds good, I'm sure I'll have many more questions in the future.

Thanks again

Bronco Newbie

Anytime we can help just ask...

crazyhorse85,
I am having the same steering issue with a couple inches of play in the steering box. I'm looking to purchase a new steering box but don't know where to find one for a good price. Do you have any recommendations as to where I can find a rebuilt or new steering box? Also, how much would it typically cost to have a mechanic replace the old steering box with a new one? And is the power steering gear box the same thing? I saw the power steering gear box on broncograveyard rebuilt for $190 plus an addt'l $100 for the core... sounds pricey. Thanks ahead of time.

190 is an average price, not sure what you have for auto parts stores but you can get them at autozone, or napa. pretty well any auto parts store you have locally. Its not all that hard to do but if you go with an auto mech, would probably be 3 or 4 hours at what ever your shop rate is. here its 230 and hour. so its retarded expensive. very doable yourself. Only special tool would be a pitman arm puller about 30 bucks.

miesk5 posted the proper proceedure for adjusting the steering gearbox in this thread.

http://broncozone.com/forums/index.php?s=&...ost&p=74042

I think the key concern with overtightening the gearbox is that the steering wheel may not return to center when released.

Another issue common with broncos is that the ball joints have a tendancy to get tight. One will overcompensate for the tightness as he drives down the road. My steering issues cleared up when I replaced my ball joints.