I was wondering how much play there should be at the joint where the pitman arm connects to that stud on the draglink just behind the power steering valve on a 66 v8 mustang.
This stud fits through the little sleeve on the drag link and again it is just behind the PS valve thing.

I would say 90% of my steering play is coming from this joint, when the steering wheel is moved the pitman arm moves about this joint for a good half inch or better before anything else starts to move. Is this a normal amount of play for this joint?

If not I think both the pitman arm and this stud need to be replaced. Is the stud part of the drag link or can it be bought separate and do they make upgrades?

Thanks

Gun

 

Do you feel your power steering belt is tight?
it sounds as if it may take that amount of "play" before the hydraulic pressure completely responds. Unless there isn't enough fluid, or there may be leaks, etc.

 

the play on power steering is significant when the car is off. Once you turn the car on, you rush fluid into your power steering control arms that tights up that whole unit.

If your not talking about that and your talking about the actual Putman arm and the stud from the Control unit then there should be no play. you may need a new pitman arm. (or try tightining it more)

check to make sure your play isn't comming from the actual steering box

 

No play from the steering box.

After having a second look I think you guys were right once the power steering system has pressure there is only about ¼ inch of play at the stud base before the wheels start to turn. Also the pitman arm joint on the stud its self looks good.

I would guess ¼ inch of play is normal and the excess play was result of no system pressure.

Thanks

Gun

 

Typical of an old PS system on classic stangs...

 

iS THAT THE CUE FOR A REENGINEERING PROJECT TO BEGIN?!

 

No he is just saying 1/4" play is normal

The only fix for that is manual rack and pinion steering, dont quite feel like going for it yet but if I can find one that doesn’t have messed up bump steer, then someday ill fork over the dough

Gun

 

Then, what in the world are you worried about? Sounds like you are trucking just fine.

 

Nothing now

Right you are I am trucking just fine, I just saw that thing shift like .5 - .75 inch with the engine off and thought to myself geez that looks like a lot of play.

px429 pointed out that with the engine running it tightens up, and it did, I did not know that.

Gun

 

I had the exact same thing with mine, and ralized its not as bad with the car running. But, it was still pretty bad. New ram (piston), control valve rebuild, tie rod ends and all new hoses pretty much cleared it up. The ball socket on the control vavle was really worn. Its still a bit loose but like was mentioned here before, its an old Mustang thing...I'm not about to go doing rack and pinion either. I got alot more bang for the buck replacing shocks, springs, control arms, new heavier sway bars, and power disc brakes. Thing drove really funky and loose around every corner and over every bump before. Felt like the car was gonna wash out from under me. Now its tighternd right up.