Hi - just took delvery of new to me 67 fastback. It's been restored, and lowered a couple of inches, but I have a question about how much play there should be in the steering box. There is more than what I am used to with cars of the genre, but there isnt anything loose in the coupling, so just wondering if the steering box has too much play in it. Is there a rule of thumb as to how much play there should be?

thanks in advance

 

The steering box on early model Mustangs are notorious for having a dead spot, which gives you a lot of play. I would consider a rebuilt steering box from one of the major Mustang shops like National Parts Depot or Mustangs Unlimited.

 

Even more so with power steering...

 

How much play do you have? Moving the rim of the stock steering wheel an inch or two is no big deal.

 

yep - an inch or two. Good to know its common, but i am just used to tighter setups. more mods to come....

 

One of the rebuilt units will get rid of most of the play. Mine had about the same, and after I installed a rebuilt steering box, next to none.

 

Or you could just tighten up the sector shaft to reduce the gearbox's backlash. It should be in the shop manual

 

yes tighten up the screw thing (i guess called the sector shaft ) undo the retaining nut and tighten it.

i've been told you're supposed to turn the steering wheel all the way to the left, jack the car up ( i think) and then tighten the screw. This will take out a lot of play, i had like 5 inches of play and was floating all over and now its as good as i can get.

don't tighten too mcuh though or you'll damage the steering box with excessive wear. I was told turn it till it stops/or until you feel it rubbing, thne back off like a half turn or so.