Have you checked how much thread is exposed on each trackrod where the track rod ends screw on?
The steering MUST be centralised to work properly. There should be an equal amount of thread showing on each side. If one track rod end is screwed on more than the other (give or take one or two threads) then the steering angles will be seriously cocked up.
Clean up the threads and then count or measure between the track rod end locknut and the start of the thread. If they are more than slighty out then you need to adjust them to get both sides equal. I would advise having a look at an Escort you know to be good and setting your threads to the same. Once you've done that you will need to have the car's tracking checked/adjusted.
If you are stuck I will measure the threads on my own Escort for you. Just let me know.
Lee
February 2009