Ive seen multiple threads on this, but i have a lot of slop in the steering. I read, but can find where my allen wrench goes in to adjust the steering gear box. I know not to over tighten, just tighten enough to get the slop out. So.....my question is, where do i accsess it? I think i can reach it through the wheel well, but im not too sure.
Any insight on this?

 

Josh

 

dont do a lash adjustment with the steering wheel centered....turn it off center and adjust it

 

Better to just try 1/8 turn at a time to prevent binding.

Josh

 

keep in mind although that may work just fine, the gear in the box is a tapered gear, so the tighter you adjust it on center the tighter it will be on the far left and right of center

 

You just have to be smart about it as over tightening the adjuster screw could result in the box locking up at some point while driving.

The spec is 2-4 inch pounds with the steering gearbox centered btw

Josh

 

I had the box lock up on me in a left hand turn on an 84 Trans Am. Ever since then a worn box equals a new box. What's yours or anyones life worth to you?

 

I would make sure all the other components are good, like tierod ends, ball joints and pitman arm before adjusting the steering box. And if it were my truck i would do as 69CJ suggested and just buy a new steering box for the reason mentioned.

 

This. 9 times out of 10 it's not slack in the steering box causing the drift.

 

My steering doesnt drift, the alignment is perfect. It just is loose you can move the steering wheel each direction just a hair. I looked underneath the ruck while my wife moved the steering wheel each direction and nothing underneath moves. Its all in the box. I may just have it replaced. But i figure i would tighten it just a smidge and if it comes down to it replace it.

 

So what issue does adjusting the steering box cure?
My front end is all tight, truck tracks straight down the road but I have tons of play in the steering wheel while driving. I bet a good 1" each side of center.

 

If everything is as you state your steering box is more than likely worn out with an inch of play each way off center. With that kind of play you definitely need a new box.

 

It seems to be a common problem with the superduty trucks.
What I was told by the people at Red Head Steering Gears - Steering Gear | Steering Gear Box
is a lot of it is bearing wear and when they build a box they hand fit the
new bearings to avoid this problem. Hand fitting is why they cost more.
It is also why they last so much longer. Yes you can get a lifetime warrantee
at some big name auto stores But how much is your time and the safety of
people that are in your truck worth? Save a few $100 and have to pull it out
every 10K or 20K miles and it gets old fast. Have someone get hurt because it failed.......
Just something to think about.

Sean

 

Most of the time with the OEM design, the issue you are having isn't stemming from the slop between the worm and sector gears, which is the adjustment you are attempting to make.

If you are experiencing a lot of drift, then perhaps you need to replace the unit.

There are lots of other areas that can contribute to "slop" felt at the wheel:
tie rod ends, drag link, inner link, ball joints. Assuming you these effectively ruled out, you probably need a new gear.

 

Here are two videos that might get you back into shape



Sorry to hear about the steering box but this might help you. If you could take pictures of the steering box all around and the screw adjustment that'd be awesome. I know it sounds bad that it got f'd up but in all honesty probably needs replaced anyway. I have slop in mine and it's all in the steering box. Just curious to see if it appears to be leaking anywhere or the condition.

Here is two replacement vidoes.



Good luck to ya !!!