I have been having problems with my steering for about a year now in my 1978 f150. When steering, there is a large gap in the wheel where the car will not turn. About a year ago I replaced the power steering pump and had the steering gear rebuilt. That seemed to fix many of my problems for a while but it started to get loose again. I thought that maybe the steering coupler was worn out and looked a little bent out of shape, so I replaced that. After replacing that the steering seemed to get a little better, but still has been getting worse with time. At this point the gap in the steering wheel is getting dangerous but I do not know what else could be the problem. From my research it seems that maybe the tie rod or pitman arm could be worn.

Did I make any mistakes in trying to fix the problem? What is the most probable cause of this gap and what should be the next replacement/fix I make?

 

With a helper, have them work the steering wheel back and forth, start under the hood and see where the play is originating from. I have feeling the play is in your steering gear box.There is an adjustment on it but never had any long term success with that.If the pitman arm is moving along with the steering shaft, start looking at the front steering parts.This is best done with a helper to move the s.wheel back and forth. You will have to jack up the front end to check ball joints.