Manual steering box
 

I've had my steering box rebuilt, but there seems to be a lot of play in the steering. I understand that in order to tighten it up, the locking nut is loosened and the set screw is tightened down.

What are the finer points to this process, ie; how tight is too tight? What increments are used to tighten, a half turn, whole turn, etc? Is this done with the front end on jack stands or not? I need to correct this bec/ its bothersome, but I don't have an entire afternoon to spend on it either....

Re: Manual steering box
 

Marlin,

I think the Ass. Manual covers this if I recall correctly [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img]

Re: Manual steering box
 

With the pitman arm disconected from the center link there should be a maximum of 15 in LBS to turn the box. Now what you need to remember is that the 15 in LBS will only be right on and immediatly of of center.
You are correct you need to loosen the nut and tighten the screw (clockwise) which pushes down on the pitman shaft which has tapered teeth that engauge the teeth on the worm/sector gear.

What I would do to see if it is the steering box is to jack the front end up and let the tires hang free. Then grab the rag joint with your hand and rock it back and forth. You should be able to feel play in the box.

Rich

Re: Manual steering box
 

Ok, will do - I need to get those awefull looking mag wheels off of there anyway! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif[/img]

Re: Manual steering box
 

Whomever &quot;rebuilt&quot; that box, should have adjusted it on the bench. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img] Best time to do it.
As stated, only a slight tight spot at neutral. If it is in the car you should be able to grab the steering coupler and rock it back and forth while slowly turning the adj. screw. Maybe have a helper rock the steering wheel back and forth as you adjust. If you get crazy you can lock it up. It will not take but a fraction of a turn if it is not to far off.
It would be best to do it with the pitman arm off as previously mentioned too. Although I have done it just with the wheels off the ground. If you can feel a noticable binding in neutral at the steering wheel, it is probably a little to tight.