Steering gearbox adjustment?
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
Replaced the steering box on my 69 Mustang that I had adjusted once or twice. When I pulled it apart the sector gear edges were like razor blades. Could have probably shaved with them. Between that and the steering box that locked on me in a right turn, Pontiac Trans Am, I just don't mess with them any more.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,829
Likes: 3,114
From: Jersey Shore
I just get hyper about this after finding sooooo many 65-66 boxes that were hurt by incorrect adjustment.
Today with airbags it is a PITA as you have to remove then to sort correctly, although maybe it would be easy enough to mock up an adapter so you wouldn't have to remove the bag and just pop off the pitman arm. I'll have to give that some thought.
Today with airbags it is a PITA as you have to remove then to sort correctly, although maybe it would be easy enough to mock up an adapter so you wouldn't have to remove the bag and just pop off the pitman arm. I'll have to give that some thought.
2006 Bullet-Riddled 6.0
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 651
Likes: 5
From: Sac River Delta Ca.
The steering box can be adjusted out but there absolutely has to be some mechanical ability involved. Trucks front wheels off the ground as its being adjusted. That way you can work the wheel wherever needed. Adjust a little at a time keeping a eye on input shaft and pitman shaft. Must have some free-play for steering to re-center by itself rolling down the road.
The biggest sign that its been over tightened is the steering stays where you put it. If truck wont go back to driving straight on its own your gonna have big problems SOON.
If you hit the point where it wont re-center to get play out then you need a new box.
The biggest sign that its been over tightened is the steering stays where you put it. If truck wont go back to driving straight on its own your gonna have big problems SOON.
If you hit the point where it wont re-center to get play out then you need a new box.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
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From: West by God Virginyuh
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JessieDM
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Apr 4, 2010 12:39 PM