Steering Linkage - Is this too loose?

[mjanderle]

1977 FJ40, 2F, Saginaw Conversion Complete

Question : Please see the videos below. Currently, this is the state of my steering linkage. With a hand on the relay rod, one can easily move things back/forth showing several degrees of freedom. Is this amount of play normal?

Also, when I turn the wheels I'm getting a noise from the driver's side front wheel similar to that of a creaking or groaning. I've lubed up the zerks, and put a bunch of moly into the steering knuckle reservoir, but the noise remains. I have yet to have someone turn the wheel and do an up close and personal inspection of where the noise may be coming from.

As per usual, any input would be greatly appreciated.

Videos :

Linkage 1
Linkage 2
Linkage 3

 

[lostmarbles]

Twisting the tie rod as you are doing should always result in the rotational movement you show ... so that's no problem.

But any damaged boots on the balljoints should be replaced (if you want the balljoints to last and remain in good condition).

The creaking/groaning noise isn't normal though and I agree with your plan to look into that.

 

[Roboosfj40s]

Twisting the tie rod as you are doing should always result in the rotational movement you show ... so that's no problem.

But any damaged boots on the balljoints should be replaced (if you want the balljoints to last and remain in good condition).

The creaking/groaning noise isn't normal though and I agree with your plan to look into that.

I agree 100% about those boots. You have not lived until you are driving and a tie rod end comes off! I had an old chevy pickup once and I was driving about 30 mph when the left TRE came off. Thankfully the only thing that happened was my left tire turned almost 90 degrees and I skidded to a stop. I was about 5 miles from home so I jacked up the truck and used fencing wire to tie it in place so I could creep home. The moral of the story is; Check those boots and above all keep the steering linkage in good order if nothing else...well brakes of course lol.

 

[65swb45]

Chances are the noises are coming from the leaf springs. Look in thru the gap between the spring perch and the axle housing to see if leaf spring center pin has been wallowing out the hole in the perch. That's a telltale sign that the U-bolts aren't tight enough, which will allow the springs to shift, causing the noise you've described.

Best

Mark A.

 

[numby]

X2 on the leaf spring (since you've already filled the knuckle with grease). Check the spring eye bushings as well.