installing a steering box
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,112
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From: Eastern TN
installing a steering box
Does the steering box of a '93 E150 have an identified or indexed center position? If not, how do you center it during installation, besides assuming it's centered from the manufacturer/rebuilder?
Thanks,
Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 187K miles
Thanks,
Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 187K miles
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
The steering box is kinda "dumb" in that it will continue turning forever---its simply a worm gear arrangement. The Pitman arm needs to be placed on the sector gear in proper relation to the steering components, "centered" so it can travel in both directions equally.
However in vehicles with the clockspring mechanism the steering wheel does need to be centered in order for it to function as designed and not damage it with over travel in one direction.
After the box is installed if the steering wheel isn't "straight ahead" that can be adjusted by a front end alignment. Typically though if the wheels are straight ahead, the steering wheel is suitably located, both are locked in those positions (as best as possible) placing the Pitman arm in its "straight ahead" position assures as small a cocked steering wheel as can be expected.
You can also install the box, connect it to the steering shaft and check for lock-to-lock steering action BEFORE installing the Pitman arm. Be careful twisting the steering wheel like this though---only the somewhat fragile clockspring "tape" or wire bundle will stop its rotation.
Once you're assured the steering wheel/clockspring are centered the Pitman arm can then be installed. Bit of advice----removing the old arm can be a rear bear----be prepared in case it is.
HTH
However in vehicles with the clockspring mechanism the steering wheel does need to be centered in order for it to function as designed and not damage it with over travel in one direction.
After the box is installed if the steering wheel isn't "straight ahead" that can be adjusted by a front end alignment. Typically though if the wheels are straight ahead, the steering wheel is suitably located, both are locked in those positions (as best as possible) placing the Pitman arm in its "straight ahead" position assures as small a cocked steering wheel as can be expected.
You can also install the box, connect it to the steering shaft and check for lock-to-lock steering action BEFORE installing the Pitman arm. Be careful twisting the steering wheel like this though---only the somewhat fragile clockspring "tape" or wire bundle will stop its rotation.
Once you're assured the steering wheel/clockspring are centered the Pitman arm can then be installed. Bit of advice----removing the old arm can be a rear bear----be prepared in case it is.
HTH
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,112
Likes: 286
From: Eastern TN
I challenge out of ignorance rather than knowledge so please bear with me. Diagrams I see suggest a sector gear (14) which has limited travel -
I'm also concerned with not fighting the pump. Don't steering boxes have a neutral position beyond which the pump assists in one direction or the other?
Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 187K miles
I'm also concerned with not fighting the pump. Don't steering boxes have a neutral position beyond which the pump assists in one direction or the other?
Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 187K miles
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Your challenge is accepted----dueling pistols at midnight! 
You may be 100% correct so kindly disregard my "wrong" info.
Whoever sells the box would have the right info whether it arrives centered---I will perhaps foolishly assume it does. In order to check for your own peace of mind---assuming your steering wheel has already been centered relative to the clockspring---try the same lock-to-lock thing, Pitman arm loosely in place. Equal movement to each side would pretty much confirm the gears are also centered.
If all that is confirmed your new box should function as designed, won't be fighting the pump.
Sorry again for the wrong answer----wasn't thinking that early today however that's still not the best "reason" (excuse) to be incorrect.
BTW what brand new box will you be using? I had mine replaced, used reman'd Ford part.
You may be 100% correct so kindly disregard my "wrong" info.
Whoever sells the box would have the right info whether it arrives centered---I will perhaps foolishly assume it does. In order to check for your own peace of mind---assuming your steering wheel has already been centered relative to the clockspring---try the same lock-to-lock thing, Pitman arm loosely in place. Equal movement to each side would pretty much confirm the gears are also centered.
If all that is confirmed your new box should function as designed, won't be fighting the pump.
Sorry again for the wrong answer----wasn't thinking that early today however that's still not the best "reason" (excuse) to be incorrect.
BTW what brand new box will you be using? I had mine replaced, used reman'd Ford part.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 35
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From: Florida
I don't know how you're "supposed" to do it but I always just put the box in a vise, wrap a rag around the shaft, and with a wrench, vise grips, channel locks, etc turn it each direction to stop then center it. Or turn it to stop in one direction then count the rotations to stop in the other direction, divide by 2 and that's center.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,112
Likes: 286
From: Eastern TN
Looking at this image -
From this thread - https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...installed.html
It appears the output shaft has a blank spline position that aligns with a notch in the gear case. Hopefully that's the case with our van and the replacement box.
Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 187K miles
From this thread - https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...installed.html
It appears the output shaft has a blank spline position that aligns with a notch in the gear case. Hopefully that's the case with our van and the replacement box.
Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 187K miles
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Even though I was standing in the same bay as my mechanic changing my steering box I paid no attention---obviously huh?
That blank spline or notch might also align with some part of the Pitman arm?
That blank spline or notch might also align with some part of the Pitman arm?
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Brett Foote
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From: Florida
I was just being facetious when I said I don't know how you're supposed to do it. I know exactly how. It's like I said. Put the box in a vise. Wrap a rag around the shaft. Use a pair of channel lock pliers or similar tool. Turn the shaft clockwise to stop. Now turn it counterclockwise to stop counting the rotations. Divide rotations by 2. Turn the shaft clockwise the number of rotations you got from dividing by 2. Example you have 2 rotations to stop. Turn back the other way 1 rotation and that's centered. Even though it has the "blank" and notch just center it to be sure. Also before you start straighten the steering wheel and secure it before you disconnect the shaft from the box.
I found this so you don't have to take my word for it.
I can't post the link for some reason. It doesn't go where it's supposed to.
I'll post it with a space between buy and auto just close it and copy and paste.
http://www.buy autoparts.com/howto/center-steering-gearbox.htm
I found this so you don't have to take my word for it.
I can't post the link for some reason. It doesn't go where it's supposed to.
I'll post it with a space between buy and auto just close it and copy and paste.
http://www.buy autoparts.com/howto/center-steering-gearbox.htm
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Try this link maybe: Center a Steering Gearbox
Not sure why your link posting didn't work----happens from time to time I'm sure.
Not sure why your link posting didn't work----happens from time to time I'm sure.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 35
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From: Florida
I've R&R'd many steering gearboxes. My 4x4's with big tires used to eat them up regularly. The first time I did it, I assumed the box was centered. Actually I didn't really assume I just didn't even give it any thought at all. So needless to say I got it all together and couldn't make a right turn. I had to pull it and do it all over again. I hate doing things more than once. Use me for a lesson and center the box.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Eastern TN
Seems like counting input shaft turns adds complexity. Why not mark the output shaft at both extremes of the input shaft? It'll be easier to find the midpoint of the arc since the output shaft swings only about a quarter turn.
Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 187K miles
Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 187K miles
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