Steering

[almostfinished]

Hey everybody, I'm new to the boards and my 1991 Bronco full size. My question is, I was told by the buyer, ( my grandfathers mechanic) that the steering "wandered" because of the alignment. So I had the truck aligned and it still does it. It has a little bit of play in the steering wheel also, i wasnt to worried about that for the time being but with the wander i am somewhat concerned, i checked the ball joints, there good and tight, i also checked the tie rods, there fine too, I have been a mechanic for about 5 years now but somehow have never come across a bronco, ( there rare around my parts). I was wondering if there were any little tricks about these trucks i should know about. Thanks in advance.

Nick

[goinbig]

You can tighten the steering box up a little, unless it is simply worn out and won't go any tighter. This will reduce the play, which will probably make it handle better.

On the top of the steering gear box, There should be a nut with a screw in the center of it. Loosen the nut, then turn the screw untill the play is out of the steering wheel. Then back the screw up a 1/4 of a turn. Tighten down the nut.

I think this system was used that model year, but someone correct me if I am wrong!!

[Sivart]

Shake steering wheel back and forth (about 1/4 turn) Watch the movement at the steering arm. If it does not move in conjuction with the steering shaft adjust just like goinbig suggested.A little goes a long way on the steering box adjustment.
Does you rig have biased ply tires? What size are they? There are a lot of things to wear out on the frontend of that Bronco. Most all can be checked by shaking the steering back and forth while someone is underneath looking for something loose.

[clintdorey]

I had the same poblem with the steering. I played with the steering box a little but it was warn out and i had to replace it. Thats most likely what you will have to do. The control after replacing the box was night and day.

[prototype80]

seems to be a common problem amongst broncos my dads has the same problem with his 93. his started a year after we got it back in 94 and we havent been able to figure it out yet.

[tj101]

The twin I beam front ends are a mechanics dream (atleast the shop owners anyway). Some other things to check are your radius arm bushings and loose wheel bearings.

[Mohner]

Originally Posted by almostfinished

Hey everybody, I'm new to the boards and my 1991 Bronco full size. My question is, I was told by the buyer, ( my grandfathers mechanic) that the steering "wandered" because of the alignment. So I had the truck aligned and it still does it. It has a little bit of play in the steering wheel also, i wasnt to worried about that for the time being but with the wander i am somewhat concerned, i checked the ball joints, there good and tight, i also checked the tie rods, there fine too, I have been a mechanic for about 5 years now but somehow have never come across a bronco, ( there rare around my parts). I was wondering if there were any little tricks about these trucks i should know about. Thanks in advance.

Nick

Seriously check your radius arm bushings. I have a 94 which has had the same issues. They dry rot and then your A arms ride loosley and every bump, turn or wind gust will cause your truck to drift or even swerve if they are bad enough. If your radius arm bushings have been replaced since the vehicle was new the job is definetely a "Do it yourself" job but if they have never been replaced you'll want to have a garage do it due to the fact that heavy duty rivets hold all the brackets on the frame and must be drilled/grinded/welded off. Once replaced the first time it is simple to replace again when necessary. And it will be necessary if you plan on keeping the vehicle longer than a couple of years. My first replacements (by the garage) had been torqued down too tight and they blew out (cracked and spread) in about 6 months. Don't waist your money getting an alignment until you replace these bushings because once you replace them you will need to do it all over again. Part to do it your self will run less than $20. To have a garage do the work it cost me just under $400. SO...look at the brackets and see if they are riveted or bolted on. That will tell you if this repair has been done before.

-Mohner