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How to adjust play in steering?

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Old 09-04-2017, 03:35 PM
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How to adjust play in steering?

Hello I have a 1993 Ford F-250 with a 7.3 nonturbo. I have replaced drag link, inner and outer tie rods, and ball joints. My steering still has play in it. Where is the adjuster at that I use to adjust this? What is the best way to do it? Thanks
 
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Old 09-04-2017, 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by 1993 ford
Hello I have a 1993 Ford F-250 with a 7.3 nonturbo. I have replaced drag link, inner and outer tie rods, and ball joints. My steering still has play in it. Where is the adjuster at that I use to adjust this? What is the best way to do it? Thanks
I tried adjusting my box and could never get it right. If you're sure that the play is in the box then you should, if possible, replace it. Don't waste your money at auto zone or o Reilly to get you a red head. Mine made a world of a difference. Also check to make sure it's not in your column. My column had a lot of play and that on top of the bad box didn't make steering the truck easy. Check out the video...https://youtu.be/q1oMmRjwPSE
 
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Old 09-04-2017, 10:41 PM
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Assuming it's not in the column(really, the slip joint above the steering box), it's basically a matter of:
1. Jack up both front wheels off the ground, to get the load off them.
2. On the top side of the steering box, there's a big flathead screw/bolt with a nut on it.
3. Loosen the nut, then use a big screwdriver(generally with a pair of vicegrips or other torque multiplier) to tighten it down.
4. You want to tighten it down until you eliminate as much play as possible /without/ making the wheels harder to turn. I just keep tightening until I feel the drag, then loosen it a little.
5. While keeping the flathead screw from turning, re-tighten the (jam)nut.

Especially when you consider the steering box to be "shot" and going to be replaced otherwise, there's little risk to trying this.
 
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