Need help...with leaks (Gas and Oil)

[Jake69Bronco]

Hello All, 

As I said in my intro I'm new to the Bronco world and am looking for some help!  First my '69 has a steering problem where anything above 30 mph it feels like I am going to lose control and takes constant correction to maintain a straight path.  While stationary it takes about 4" of movement on the steering wheel before the tires begin to move.  I've attached pictures of the lower steering column down to what I think is the steering box.  Also the previous owner added what looks like a power steering (pic also attached) as it does not look factory and he has a power steering cooler coming off it with a fuel line running through the top loop...I may be way off as I'm not a mechanic so if I miss identify something or call it by the wrong name please correct me so I can learn!  I'm looking to replace/fix what I can without taking it to a shop so any advice is great.

I have also attached a picture of my rear fuel tank (looking back at it) as there is a leak from what I think is the sending unit?  Any advice on how to fix that would be great as my wife and kids keep telling me my truck stinks.

And finally a couple pictures of the transmission from below as there is a leak there also I'm hoping just from a gasket?  And one from the left axle/brake area that is soaked in fluid but I can't see where it is coming from so I'm guessing its brake fluid.  

Thanks for your time!

Jake

 

[Bully Bob]

Hi Jake..,

Your rig looks pretty good from what I see. However, you do have some work to do. It's not "hard"

but plan on gett'n "dirty"..!!

1st.., take care of the gas tank. Those fumes are not good. Check the fuel inlet/vent hoses & gas cap for

rot/cracks, etc.

For the seepage at the sending unit.., scrub (with safety goggles) that area with some solvent & brushes.

Use some small brass wire brushes if necessary. The tank needs to be near empty to remove the

sending unit. Otherwise you'll get a "gas-bath"..!  With it fairly clean, you'll see the locking ring that

holds the unit in place. It has a cam-action & takes a few taps on the tabs with a screwdriver

& hammer to pop it loose. (believe it's counterclockwise)

It only has to move about an inch. The sender is a bit delicate so be slow & careful removing it.

You'll see the (square shaped)  O-ring seal etc.  Likely need new seals prior to re-assembly.

The power steering looks to be all original.., Ford Early Bronco..., including the PS fluid cooler.

While parked, under hood, move the steering shaft by hand. Looking down at the pitman arm, It should

move at the exact same time or nearly so. (best done with front tires off the ground)

With the front two axles on jack-stands, you can inspect all the steering connections by moving the wheels

left/right by hand. There should be no slop. However, from the pics.., it all looks fresh.

The track-bar (runs fr. the right axle to the dr. side of the frame)  has bushings that usually ware out.

Or the bracket may be damaged.

There's "toe-in" & "caster" involved as to steering wander also but we can get to that later.

Clean that crap off the front wheel knuckle, etc.  When it's clean-n-dry.., you'll see where/what the seepage is.

Looks more like an axle seal but well see.

Looks more like the eng. rear main is seeping, not the trannie. Again do some cleaning & watch for the fluid track.

All these are 1-2 banana jobs.. /

You're in for a lotta fun, bloody knuckles, dirty hands, & some blackheads on your face...!!!  (

At the end of the day.., it's all rewarding.......... ^_^ /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />  :-B

Get a catalog from www.wildhorses4x4.com  or  www.tomsbroncoparts.com

Get a repair catalog fr. auto parts store  for a 66-77 Early Bronco.  (approx. $15)

These will help a LOT..!

Enjoy,

Bob

 

[Jake69Bronco]

Update:

So I drained the main tank and bought a new lock ring & gasket, but after further investigation and cleaning it looks like the tank itself has holes/rust through where the retaining strap goes across the bottom.  So I'll be ordering a new main tank soon...or considering waiting a bit and saving up for the 23gal main tank.  I also found a couple rubber hoses that had rotted away and replaced those.

I removed the oil pan as that is where I think the oil is leaking from, which was a pain in the ass with how much gasket sealer the previous owner used.  The pan itself was pretty dented, the drain plug area must have come in contact with the axle because it was indented pretty far and looked like it might begin to crack so I ordered a new pan and gasket, which should be here on wednesday.  I replaced the steering stabilizer shock (correct name) as that was a fairly cheep purchase.  I had to drop the track bar to drop the oil pan and the bushings are basically gone so I have replacements, but am unable to get the old ones out.  Any suggestions there as I do not have a press handy.  I tried spraying some PB solvent in and around but they still will not budge.  Once I get the pan back on and the track bar back in place I'll take it for a drive and see if the steering has improved.  

I ordered new intake manifold, cylinder heads, cam shaft, 4bbl carb, and a new water pump, which gets here around the 11th.  Once I get those installed I'll take some more pics. 

One more question regarding fender flares.  The previous owner cut out quite a bit and I had ordered bushwhacker which look great, but they ended up being too small.  Does anybody know of nice looking flares that are XL so I don't have to replace the quarter panels then cut them again as I will eventually be going up in tire size.

Thanks again for the help.

Jake

 

[Bully Bob]

The track bar bushings are 2 piece at both ends.  If you knock the tube out of the center.., the two rubber ends

are easier to punch/pry out. (worst case, they can be burned out with a torch)

Check the mounting point on the frame to be sure it isn't "egg shapped".  It so, it's repairable.

Front or rear flares.., & are they too small in height or width..?

 

[Jake69Bronco]

So I'll need front and back and both front and back were not long enough to make it cover the entire cut out. It was close but I would of not have been able to attach it with screws. I'll work at the track bar tonight and see if I have any success.

 

[Bully Bob]

If you put a rocker panel protector on, you may get away with what you have. 

OR try Gorilla warflares  or  Silverbacks at www.wildhorses4x4.com

 

[Jake69Bronco]

A friend mentioned the warfares, I might just order em' to se if they fit.  Worst case I just have to return another set.  I'm still considering buying new quaterpanels anyway...I need to take the current ones off and figure out the extent of the rust underneath.  

 

[Bully Bob]

Can't tell fr. your 'lil pic but doesn't look like yours is cut any higher than mine.

Mine (flares) had to be trimmed/shortened  to fit the rocker cover covers.

 

[Seabronc]

Not to be a hard ass, but when selecting a title, please use a short description of the problem so some future person who is searching with similar problems can get the benefit of what you find. 

Also please stick to one problem per new topic.

>-

 

[Jake69Bronco]

Gotcha, was trying to save posts as I have a ton of questions.  I'll break them up next time.