Steering gear box

Hi,

The number of splines isn't something that is listed in the manuals. However, it should be an XR50 steering gear.

As far as excessive play, here are directions for adjustment. Take a look through them and see if it is something that helps. The info is specific to a 2wd F250 with the 7.3L. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

Also, I'm not 100% sure, but I believe the 32 spline is for the 2wd and 36 is for the 4wd.

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2000 Ford Truck F 250 2WD Super Duty V8-7.3L DSL Turbo VIN F
Meshload Adjustment - XR50 Steering Gear
Vehicle Steering and Suspension Steering Steering Gear Adjustments Meshload Adjustment - XR50 Steering Gear
MESHLOAD ADJUSTMENT - XR50 STEERING GEAR
MESHLOAD ADJUSTMENT - XR50 STEERING GEAR

Special Tool(s)
pic 1

Special Service Tool(s)

pic 2

1. Note: The engine should not be running.

Turn the steering wheel from right lock to left lock at least once.
2. Remove the driver air bag.
3. Raise and support the vehicle.

Pic 3

4. Remove the castellated nut.
1 Remove the cotter pin.
2 Remove the castellated nut.

Pic 4

5. Separate the steering sector shaft arm drag link.
- Use the Pitman Arm Puller to separate the steering sector shaft arm drag link.

6. Note: The front wheel should not touch the ground.

Lower and support the front of the vehicle.

Pic 5

7. Note: Reset the steering gear meshload only if the measured rotating torque for total on-center load if less than specification.

Attach an in/lb. Torque wrench to the bolt and measure the steering gear meshload from center.

Pic 6

8. Adjust steering gear meshload if rotating torque is not within specification.
9. Remove the fan blade assembly and fan shroud.

Pic 7

10. Adjust the sector shaft to proper rotating torque.
1 Hold the sector shaft and loosen the lock nut.
2 Adjust the sector shaft.

Pic 8

11. Verify that the rotating torque is to specification.
- Reset if necessary.

Pic 9

12. Tighten the lock nut.
1 Hold the sector shaft.
2 Tighten the lock nut.

Pic 10

13. Install the steering sector shaft and drag link, castellated nut and cotter pin.
14. Lower the vehicle.
15. Install the driver air bag.

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Also, take a look at the last pic. Based on the production date chances the number of splines. The pic shows the part number so maybe you can cross reference it.

Let me know.

Joe

You are very welcome. If you have a chance, let me know if it helped.

Take care,
Joe