1963 play in steering at higher speeds | Ford Thunderbird club group 1955-2005 T-Bird models

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1963 play in steering at higher speeds

  • Thread starter Thread starter Sarasotasteve
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Sarasotasteve

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Thunderbird Year
1963
4000 miles ago I had my steering box rebuilt by Red Head in Idaho. Since then, I have around 2-3 inches of play going straight, and at speeds over 50 miles an hour the play in the steering causes a wallowing feeling that makes speeds over 50 feel unsafe. Red Head is willing upon receipt of the steering box to find the issues and repair them "at cost". But, they will not send a loner or exchange box. Therefore, if I take this potential solution, my car will sit in the garage unmovable. My mechanic has tried to adjust the screw on top of the box, but now the steering wheel does not return to center after a left turn, although it seems some of the play may have been eliminated.
If you were me, what would you do?

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Has your mechanic checked for “obvious” things? I.e., tie rod ends too loose, center link, or idler arm?
I think my 64 original box is similar to your 63.
These steering boxes are very complicated. The shop manual has pages on how to properly adjust them. If out of adjustment (and there is more to it than adjusting the screw on the top), the car will steer like it has a mind of its own. Seriously. The steering wheel will turn all by itself!
When a box is rebuilt, it has to be properly adjusted before installation. No current boxes are like them, and if your rebuilder isn’t familiar with early TBird/Lincoln boxes, that might be the problem. Get ahold of a FORD shop manual.
 
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