Steering Slop
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Junior User
Joined: May 2011
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Steering Slop
I got my truck running much better for the time being so I have been working on other bugs. My next task is the steering. It floats like crazy, it does have power steering. I plan on doing all the bushings in the front and new springs, shocks and steering stabilizer soon.
My question is should I be able to turn my steering shaft when its not running. I got back from a test drive and turned her off, then reached in and grabbed the steering shaft under the hood and there is a ton of rotational movement. The steering wheel moves with it but the tires are not moving. Is this slop in the steering box (only thing I can figure)??? How much is normal???
Thanks
Robby
My question is should I be able to turn my steering shaft when its not running. I got back from a test drive and turned her off, then reached in and grabbed the steering shaft under the hood and there is a ton of rotational movement. The steering wheel moves with it but the tires are not moving. Is this slop in the steering box (only thing I can figure)??? How much is normal???
Thanks
Robby
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 321
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From: Atlanta
First thing to check is always the flex coupler in the steering column. It should be right above the power steering gearbox. If it is all broken down and "floppy", it'll put about a 1/4 turn of slop in the wheel all by itself.
Look at the link below.
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Look at the link below.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 71
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From: Andalusia AL
+1 thekingofcows, look at the drivers side track arm bushing. Mine was gone, which in turn put extra strain on my center/drag link and wore it out. I replaced the track arm bushing, took way over half the slack out and drives 10X better. Bar none the best $20 I've EVER spent! I'm replacing the drag link on mine tomorrow, will let everyone know how that turns out.
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I got a better look at things today,
So when I turn the shaft by hand everything turns from the steering wheel to the power steering box, but there is no movement being generated from the bottom side of the steering box. I also found a little bit of the play is in the rag joint (changing out tomorrow) and the universal joint at the firewall has play in it (trying to find a replacement but havent yet any suggestions??). These I know play a factor in the issue but still there is a lot more, I guess in the steering box itself. I will try to adjust it out there this weekend.
Still plan on bushings everywhere soon and all but I think its not even getting that far yet.
Thanks guys
So when I turn the shaft by hand everything turns from the steering wheel to the power steering box, but there is no movement being generated from the bottom side of the steering box. I also found a little bit of the play is in the rag joint (changing out tomorrow) and the universal joint at the firewall has play in it (trying to find a replacement but havent yet any suggestions??). These I know play a factor in the issue but still there is a lot more, I guess in the steering box itself. I will try to adjust it out there this weekend.
Still plan on bushings everywhere soon and all but I think its not even getting that far yet.
Thanks guys
Fleet Mechanic
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You can get them at just about any parts store. Probably $10 or so.
What kind of truck? 2wd or 4x4? My suggestion is the rag joint and maybe a half a turn or so on the steering box adjuster, but if there's still play, just knuckle down and replace everything. Ball joints, bushings, tie rods, etc. These old trucks can drive and handle really nice with all new parts in them.
What kind of truck? 2wd or 4x4? My suggestion is the rag joint and maybe a half a turn or so on the steering box adjuster, but if there's still play, just knuckle down and replace everything. Ball joints, bushings, tie rods, etc. These old trucks can drive and handle really nice with all new parts in them.
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You can get them at just about any parts store. Probably $10 or so.
What kind of truck? 2wd or 4x4? My suggestion is the rag joint and maybe a half a turn or so on the steering box adjuster, but if there's still play, just knuckle down and replace everything. Ball joints, bushings, tie rods, etc. These old trucks can drive and handle really nice with all new parts in them.
What kind of truck? 2wd or 4x4? My suggestion is the rag joint and maybe a half a turn or so on the steering box adjuster, but if there's still play, just knuckle down and replace everything. Ball joints, bushings, tie rods, etc. These old trucks can drive and handle really nice with all new parts in them.
Don't forget new king pins.
*Steering boxes: If you end up replacing he steering box you'll be disappointed by the run of the mill rebuilds. They usually change the seals and that's all. I am saving $ to have mine done by Redheads, in WA state. They actually replace the GEARS! how about that? Do a search on the forum about them.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 871
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From: New Albany, MS
I got a better look at things today,
So when I turn the shaft by hand everything turns from the steering wheel to the power steering box, but there is no movement being generated from the bottom side of the steering box. I also found a little bit of the play is in the rag joint (changing out tomorrow) and the universal joint at the firewall has play in it (trying to find a replacement but havent yet any suggestions??). These I know play a factor in the issue but still there is a lot more, I guess in the steering box itself. I will try to adjust it out there this weekend.
Still plan on bushings everywhere soon and all but I think its not even getting that far yet.
Thanks guys
So when I turn the shaft by hand everything turns from the steering wheel to the power steering box, but there is no movement being generated from the bottom side of the steering box. I also found a little bit of the play is in the rag joint (changing out tomorrow) and the universal joint at the firewall has play in it (trying to find a replacement but havent yet any suggestions??). These I know play a factor in the issue but still there is a lot more, I guess in the steering box itself. I will try to adjust it out there this weekend.
Still plan on bushings everywhere soon and all but I think its not even getting that far yet.
Thanks guys
I have heard of a few people upgrading to a Toyota steering shaft. These have a larger replaceable universal joint. I am not sure on the specifics of this conversion though.
As far as adjusting the sector in the box is concerned, be careful with this the the sector gear itself seldomly has excessive wear and this should be the very last area addressed because it is extremely easy to over tighten this adjustment.
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There are aftermarket replacemeant shafts made by borgeson (spelling?) there plenty spendy. I lucked out on mine and found a near perfect shaft at a junkyard.
I have heard of a few people upgrading to a Toyota steering shaft. These have a larger replaceable universal joint. I am not sure on the specifics of this conversion though.
As far as adjusting the sector in the box is concerned, be careful with this the the sector gear itself seldomly has excessive wear and this should be the very last area addressed because it is extremely easy to over tighten this adjustment.
I have heard of a few people upgrading to a Toyota steering shaft. These have a larger replaceable universal joint. I am not sure on the specifics of this conversion though.
As far as adjusting the sector in the box is concerned, be careful with this the the sector gear itself seldomly has excessive wear and this should be the very last area addressed because it is extremely easy to over tighten this adjustment.
Thanks for the heads up on the adjustment, I will wait till last to see if I can work out the slop with everything else.
The shafts themselves are pretty pricey, found one new but Im not paying that for it.
Has anyone ever tried using a universal joint off a compact tractor? They have them down to 3/4" diameter. I may disassemble mine and try that route. Those things are pretty tough and should mount up smilair to whats there now.
What do you guys think about that??
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 871
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From: New Albany, MS
I say anything can be done, but I do not think you will have any luck with trying to replace the joint itself, but I have been wrong about Alot of things so, if this works for you let us know.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
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From: Big Sky Country
Not only that, but they also machine the gear box to accept needle bearings on the sector shaft, something the original gear boxes didn't have, a Redhead box is much more than a reseal and paint "rebuild".
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 71
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From: Andalusia AL
Update, since putting a new drag link in steering is tight and straight! Well almost, except for the fact that a friend of mine did me a "favor" a while back and over tightened the steering gear. It steers a little funny now, out of ratio maybe. Oh and the power steering pump decided to start squealing like a hog today. Going to try some lucas in the ps to see if it will quiet it down, that's what the previous owner said he did when I bought it 10 years ago lol
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8,501
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From: Lynchburg, VA
Update, since putting a new drag link in steering is tight and straight! Well almost, except for the fact that a friend of mine did me a "favor" a while back and over tightened the steering gear. It steers a little funny now, out of ratio maybe. Oh and the power steering pump decided to start squealing like a hog today. Going to try some lucas in the ps to see if it will quiet it down, that's what the previous owner said he did when I bought it 10 years ago lol