The steering on my truck was a real bear, 3-4" of play in the steering before anything reacted. Based on several searches of threads and reading many posts, as well as observation under the truck, I decided to pull the steering gear box. In doing so I realized that a PO installed a steering gear assembly from a f350 or larger based on the groove of the roller head, and the adjusting screw. In looking at the shop manual it looks exactly like Fig.21 related to steering gears. Question is, does it matter that this heavier duty box is installed in a 1/2 T truck? Is this heavier duty assembly more difficult to operate in a lighter truck? After opening it, everything inside appears to be in good condition, I think they had failed to put the adjusting screw into the slotted grove on the head of the roller, thus no adjustment was possible and had used oil instead of grease so it was nearly empty as it was evident it had leaked. Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forum.

Question is, does it matter that this heavier duty box is installed in a 1/2 T truck? Is this heavier duty assembly more difficult to operate in a lighter truck?
I don't think you could tell the difference.
I think they had failed to put the adjusting screw into the slotted grove on the head of the roller, thus no adjustment was possible and had used oil instead of grease so it was nearly empty as it was evident it had leaked. Any insight would be appreciated.
I think you found the problem. If all is free and tight I would install new seals and put it back together.

 

Hi guys just replaced bearings and seals on my 56 f100 gear box everything else looks fine have a little play like 1 inch normal I think ,is there any adjustment to do on the adjustment screw and how to do that thanks for your help.

 

Roverman,
I started this post a while ago and was able to dial my box in so that there was no play, 1" may be better but you should be able to do even better. I found the shop manual as well as a tech manual for F100 steering box rebuilds posted at CPP to be pretty helpful.

Classic Performance Products

 

Thanks osubuki have shop manual but doesn't have to much info where else I could get more details about it thanks what kind of oil should I use 90 or 140

 

Roverman,
You will see a multitude of opinions on this topic if you do some searches. Original shop manual calls for gear oil, I have read that a later service bulletin changed that to grease as the oil tended to leak out. I opted to use grease rather than oil as it was apparent this is what had happened to mine based on visible residue. Picked up a tube at Napa, it was a Valvoline product designed for Ford/ Mercury.

 

Thanks for info keep looking for some more details for adjustments. I think I will go grease no oil everything is nice and clean dont want any leaks. One more thing how many shims shoul I used the gasket kit I bought from Midfifty came with lot of shims used same it had when I dissemble like four

 

Down and dirty, the adjustments are:
1.Worm shaft end play must be adjusted by shims at the gear box end plate. No end movement.
2.Sector must be adjusted so it is tight against the worm when the sector is in the centered position against the worm
With these two adjustment made with all good components, the steering should be tight. At this point, if adjusted correctly, you should be able to turn the steering lock to lock with no binds. There may be some play in other than the straight ahead position.
John Deere corn head grease works good in these steering boxes. Lubricates well and stays in place better than oil.
Check all parts for wear prior to adjustments. Sector shaft bearings and worm shaft bearings must be tight.

Edit:One more thing how many shims shoul I used the gasket kit I bought from Midfifty came with lot of shims used same it had when I dissemble like four
These shims are what you use to make the worm shaft end play adjustment.