67dnixcoupe

I have a 68 289 auto coupe. I have changed the inner and outer tie rods and sleeves and the steering cylinder. When I turn the steering wheel left or right with out the car on or moving I have the wheel turned as far left as 10-11 o'clock or right 2 o'clock or so. Is this common or what has to be done to tighten it up? Thanks for the help

67mustang302

Did you check the coupler between the column and box?

67dnixcoupe

No, What am I looking for? I believe it is tight but will check.
and thanks.

67mustang302

There's a joint between the column and steering box. It should have a flexible material (rubber/fabric composite) and there should be stops that prevent the column from turning too far before engaging the steering box end.

clowe1965

Mine has about the same amount of play and it had something to do with a 67 steering wheel shaft put in a 65 box because the shop couldn't find anything else. Different screw pitches or race sizes, I'm just surprised that it works at all if that was the case.

Have you adjusted the steering box yet? Mine was bottomed out already.

Al Newman

First, the 67 steering assembly didn't have a coupler or rag joint assembly. The steering shaft is integral to the gear box. Second, if you have power steering, you will have play in the wheel with the engine not running and the power steering hydraulics not powered up. If you have manual steering and are experiencing the amount of slop you indicate, you can within limits adjust the steering gear box by simply loosening the nut around the box's adjustment shaft, then turning the shaft clockwise with a screw driver until the slop is minimized. Do Not overadjust. Leave some loosness in the steering. Over-adjusting will cause oversteer and will quickly wear out the gear box. If you cannot get the looseness out by adjusting the box, you can have the box rebuilt or even attempt to do it yourself. Power steering looseness with the engine running can also be adjusted in the same manner. Best advice is to have the adjustment done by a professional who understands this old steering system. Of course, you can always re-engineer the entire system with one of the systems currently in favor. That will open up it's own set of steering problems, however. Those folks that do choose the newer systems generally like the results, or at least say they do. Just sayin'.
Best,
Al

67mustang302

Some 67's had rag joints. Iirc mid 67 was when they changed over, so depending on whether it's an early or late 67 it will have different steering components.