Steering Box Adjustment
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Whispering Pines, NC
Steering Box Adjustment
Ok, I got the screw to move. Like an idiot, I unscrewed it all the way which made the steering tight. Should I screw it in all the way and then back out 1/4 turn? Once a turn is completed, the steering has to be assisted back to straight. Plus, when moving down the road, it floats left and right. I understand that there's going to be some play. It's an 83 f150 4x4 5.8L. Any advice would be appreciated.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Northeast, OK
You may be in trouble. Serious trouble. There may be a way to figure out where it should be set, but they really should not be messed with. You can keep adjusting it by an 1/8 turn at a time until you get it acceptable, but I doubt it. I think you will have to replace the box, and they cost $150 rebuilt.
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Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Dallas, GA
Darn...was hoping you were going to say it was easy...mine has some slop in it too and was hoping to adjust it out. But it has a leak too so probably just best to replace. Besides getting the pitman arm off, looks to be a fairly straight forward job?
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Northeast, OK
You can adjust it, and maybe get some of the slop out. But, only some and you will also start losing "feel". In my experience you lose the feel long before the slop, and driving gets tedious as it won't stay where you put it on the road.
Yes, getting the arm off is the hard part. The slip-joint can be a pain to get loose. And, by the way, make sure the slop is in the box and not the rag joint or tie-rod ends.
Yes, getting the arm off is the hard part. The slip-joint can be a pain to get loose. And, by the way, make sure the slop is in the box and not the rag joint or tie-rod ends.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Dallas, GA
You can adjust it, and maybe get some of the slop out. But, only some and you will also start losing "feel". In my experience you lose the feel long before the slop, and driving gets tedious as it won't stay where you put it on the road.
Yes, getting the arm off is the hard part. The slip-joint can be a pain to get loose. And, by the way, make sure the slop is in the box and not the rag joint or tie-rod ends.
Yes, getting the arm off is the hard part. The slip-joint can be a pain to get loose. And, by the way, make sure the slop is in the box and not the rag joint or tie-rod ends.
Right...already replaced all that. box is the only thing in the steering that is not new. Tie Rod ends where a complete wreck
. Runs straight and very smooth now...just a little slop and a little leak. Neither on the top of the list yet...neither are too bad. Actually think the leak is from the HP hose and is just dripping down on the box. But we're talking about a couple drops here and there. Not enough to leave a puddle anywhere.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Whispering Pines, NC
Steering Box Adjustment
I'll check the tie rods before I attempt the box. It's strange that this just happened, but more strange that it drives as if the manuel locking hubs were set on lock instead of free which is where they have been. Any suggestions on where to search for a rebuilt box if everything else checks out?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Dallas, GA
most any of the major part store will have a rebuilt box. In the range of $150
If you end up doing that pay some particular attention to how it is all set know. pull in nice and straight with your wheels staight. Mark where you pitman arm is on the shaft now...you will want to get it back on the new gear in the right spot.
If you end up doing that pay some particular attention to how it is all set know. pull in nice and straight with your wheels staight. Mark where you pitman arm is on the shaft now...you will want to get it back on the new gear in the right spot.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Newport, N.C.
most any of the major part store will have a rebuilt box. In the range of $150
If you end up doing that pay some particular attention to how it is all set know. pull in nice and straight with your wheels staight. Mark where you pitman arm is on the shaft now...you will want to get it back on the new gear in the right spot.
If you end up doing that pay some particular attention to how it is all set know. pull in nice and straight with your wheels staight. Mark where you pitman arm is on the shaft now...you will want to get it back on the new gear in the right spot.
They should have a "master" spline. IIRC.
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