More steering box questions
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2014
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More steering box questions
On my 91 4x4 f350, I recently replaced the steering gear box with one from the salvage yard. It solved my no power steering problems, but now it has a limited turn to the right. Turns great to the left. Its as if I can turn the wheel a quarter of the way and then hit the stop. Is this box bad? Or do I need to make some adjustments?
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 425
Likes: 44
From: Everett, WA
Can the pitman arm be installed in more than one spot in the steering box? Sounds like you need to find the center of steering lock to steering lock and then recenter the tires, pitman arm, and steering wheel.
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2014
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I centered the steering wheel when I put the shaft back on the box . The junkyard box came with a pitman arm already on it, that appeared to be in the same position, so I didnt change it. Its keyed to just fit one way I believe. I cut a block to keep my tire measure ments before I took the old one out, so I dont think that moved any. The old pitman arm bolted right up without me having to move the tie rod arm.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 358
Likes: 7
From: Ky
The procedure calls for the wheels to be facing straight ahead at dissassemly.
New steering boxes come "centered".
Steering column shaft has flats and, since the wheels are facing directly forward, should go right back on.
Pitman arm has four flats equally spaced among the splines, and if the steering box is centered, only one of the pitman arm flats will line up with your tie-rod ends.
It sounds like there was an inconsistency in the salvage yard parts.
New steering boxes come "centered".
Steering column shaft has flats and, since the wheels are facing directly forward, should go right back on.
Pitman arm has four flats equally spaced among the splines, and if the steering box is centered, only one of the pitman arm flats will line up with your tie-rod ends.
It sounds like there was an inconsistency in the salvage yard parts.
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2014
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The pittman had about a 1/4 inch drop more than the one off my truck. Would that throw it that bad out of kilter?
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 358
Likes: 7
From: Ky
Pull pitman arm.
Disconnect steering shaft coupling with wheels facing forward.
Insure that steering box is centered by positioning flat on input shaft to steering box facing down, with three full turns available to it's right, and three full turns available to it's left.
Install steering shaft coupling.
Install your original pitman arm, if in good condition, to 200 ft. lbs.
I believe the diagnosis, that the pitman arm is incorrect for an f-350, is very likely your problem.
Disconnect steering shaft coupling with wheels facing forward.
Insure that steering box is centered by positioning flat on input shaft to steering box facing down, with three full turns available to it's right, and three full turns available to it's left.
Install steering shaft coupling.
Install your original pitman arm, if in good condition, to 200 ft. lbs.
I believe the diagnosis, that the pitman arm is incorrect for an f-350, is very likely your problem.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 648
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From: St Charles Missouri
I had my steering box tightened 1 full turn I think and he did and an alignment. It's still not right but good enough. Sounds like you are in the right direction. GL and keep us posted.
EDIT: My truck wants to drift. Any ideas what that's all about? Before the steering wheel had a lot of play. Now it seems like the pump is working extra hard but my mechanic is pretty good I think and he said the box needs replacing to get it right
EDIT: My truck wants to drift. Any ideas what that's all about? Before the steering wheel had a lot of play. Now it seems like the pump is working extra hard but my mechanic is pretty good I think and he said the box needs replacing to get it right
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