Ford Repair: dropped peices/ possible drive shaft, power steering racks, 4x4 ford

Question
Hi Steve.  I'm hoping you could help me out with my question.  It's regarding a couple of parts that fell out of my 1997 4x4 Ford Ranger.  I was backing out of a parking spot and heard some clanging and then my truck's steering gave out.  By give out I'm mean it was really difficult to steer the truck when backing up.  I immediately put the truck in drive and proceeded to park the truck.  I got out of the truck to see what made the clanging/pinging noise when I put the truck in reverse.  I proceeded to find a large coil spring along with a 9.9 ounce part that I can best describe as a pulley with a rotating grooved wheel on it.   On the actually pulley type part, the following is on the part in raised etching " ROTATE TO LOAD F77E-6B209 AA".  The part was made in Canada.  Not sure if that matters or not.  I'm thinking it's the drive shaft.  Any information you can give me regarding what the part(s) are would be greatly appreciated.   I also need to determine if I can afford to have it repaired. I realize that repair costs will very greatly depending on the exact diagnosis, but if you have any range of cost to repair a drive shaft, that would be very helpful.   Do you know also if the vehicle would be safe to drive?

Thank you so much,
Jen


Answer
Jen-

  Actually, it sounds like you power steering pump bought the farm.  Driveshafts don't have anything to do with steering really, and they don't have pulleys.  As far as the safety of continuing to drive it, on a 1-10 scale (10 being as safe as normal), I'd say it's a 3.  Aside from being incredibly difficult to steer, power steering racks don't like being turned without pressure.  I'd say you'd get a few blocks...a few miles at the most...before the rack ruptured it's seals and poured fluid out.  Then you'd be looking at an extra repair cost.  Hope this helps.

Steve