Lots of Play in Steering Wheel

[Ford4Fun]

My 72 F100 Ranger XLT has power steering, but has a lot of play in the steering wheel. While driving I can turn the steering wheel from left-to-right and not have the truck go either direction. When I do need to turn, it requires a farther revolution to make it around the corner. I was told by a mechanic friend of mine a couple years ago, that it would be an easy fix, with just a simple adjustment, but he never got around to helping me. Any ideas?

Thanks!

[cep62]

Welcome to the site.
There is an adjustment on the steering gear box , but what you describe sounds like you should have a competent mechanic (or two)
take a look at it.
Most should be able to take a quick look for no charge.

[tsherry]

How's the rag-joint between the steering shaft and the box?

[jzjames]

New steering gear:
http://www.autozone.com/suspension-stee ... ckfit=true

[Nitekruizer]

Long shot, but make sure the rag joint coupling is clamped tight to the gearbox's steering input shaft. Mine wasn't and it striped the spline. I was noticing increased play in my steering, but I didn't find the problem until I was removing the manual steering to convert to power.