1968 CS Steering Play

[drenalin]

I test drove a 1968 CS and the steering wheel had a great deal of play. The car drove straight, but the play seeemed excessive. Is this normal for the 1968 Mustangs or can it be reduced or taken out with adjustments or part replacements?

 

[franklinair]

Probably normal wear after many years & mileage. A good front end shop could check it out and give you a report/estimate.
Steering box, ball joints, linkages are all possibilities.

Neil

 

[drenalin]

Thanks, I forgot to mention that it is power steering too.

 

[limelyt]

they all have it. You can purchace a new flaming river steering box, it will be tighter but they seem to have a leaking problem.

Gary

 

[rvrtrash]

The steering box can be adjusted some, and there might be worn components in the front end, but even if everything is rebuilt to stock, it will seem like a lot of play compared to today's cars. Have the car checked by at least 2, preferable 3, reputable shops and compare what they say. Some don't know older cars that well and some just want to sell you expensive work so be on your toes.

Steve

 

[tomcwarren]

You can also get a '68 shop manual (probably from Steve/rvrtrash!) and go thru the tests/adjustments in there. If you find that the steering box needs rebuilding, I've used a company in Texas that specializes in Ford front-end work (PSCV, pumps, boxes, rams, etc) - sells rebuild kits and/or does the work himself. Top notch. For example:

http://www.stangerssite.com/CanISteeringBox2.html

HTH,

Tom

 

[CougarCJ]

Most of these steering boxes have dried out, crusty, 42 year old grease in them.

My 1969 XR7 has play in the control valve per my alignment shop.

Steering coupler or ragjoint is something else to look at too.