loud noises from steering column

[bossford65]

Can anyone tell me the tale tale signs that will let you know your cab mount pads need to be changed. The cab mounts themselves have no rust issues, the body gaps havent changed but the steering column will sometimes make a loud popping noise which can be felt thru the steering wheel. The ragjoint is fairly new but the two safety pins show signs of ware on the side of them. Its a 65 with power steering conversion. Any ideas as to whats going on here. Thanks-----James

[64 f100]

Door to fender gap wider at the bottom than at the top is the easiest thing to spot. If, you metal cab mounts are rusted to the point the cab is sagging because of this, then it is time to replace those. As to the popping sound, most likely strain on the bearings inside the columns. Simple fix once you have the column out. There are two plastic bearing races that also will need replaced. Your talking about 40$ for all these bearing parts. Best cab mounts I've seen are available from Carpenter at 85$ per side, and then there is the cab mount rubbers which come in at 100$.

Rich