I just noticed an issue with steering in my 55 f100, which has the Toyota power steering box conversion from CPP with an aftermarket automatic shift steering column from Summit Racing (their branded product). The steering wheel has always be centered fine but now when I turn to the left the steering wheel is about 15-20 degrees from center when tracking straight on the road. Now, when I take a right turn, the steering wheel returns to center going straight on the road. The truck has about 1700 miles on the front suspension and steering components and I can find no play in any component. There has always been a bit more play in the column (1 inch) before shaft turns the steering box. I’m concerned about the column itself, although the Toyota box was used. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

Hmmm, interesting. I don't see anyway for there to be slack in the column itself. The column is basically a solid shaft from the steering wheel down to the rag joint or "U" joint. More than likely, any free play is in the box or steering components. I would start by watching the steering box while someone moves the steering wheel back and forth. If there is excessive free play it can be adjusted.

Bobby

 

There should be no "free play" in the steering column unless for some strange reason the steering wheel doesn't fit the column correctly.

To clarify, is it about 1" of steering wheel movement before the output shaft (sector shaft) of the steering box starts to move or the input shaft (worm shaft) of the steering box starts to move?

If all is okay with the steering column and steering wheel it sounds like the used steering box is worn and adjustment might fix it.

 

I don't know the setup on your truck but, I have rebuilt Toyota boxes. I have seen rag joints twist up. Something to look at if you have one. Loose pitman arm?? There is adjustment on the box but, it takes up slack and not just for one direction?? Mounting bolts for the box tight? Steering wheel tight on the splines?? You suspect column so look at any sleeves or joints that could possibly shift/rotate. Broken or missing key stock if used??

 

Thanks all for the suggestions. I’ve checked that the steering wheel is tight to the shaft, and don’t have rag joints (Borgeson U joint). Will check the pitman arm and mounting bolts ASAP. I did chat with tech services at CPP where I purchased the Toyota kit and they did not see how the steering column or box could be causing an asymmetric issue. Regarding play in the steering wheel, there is a slight play (3/8 inch) before the input shaft turns, I am assuming due to play in the tilt mechanism? Thanks again to all for the suggestions and I’ll keep checking this weekend.

 

IIRC when I did my Toyota conversion there was a problem with some cheaper aftermarket (other than Ididit or Flaming River) tilt columns that used Chinese knockoff tilt mechanisms rather than genuine GM tilt mechanisms used by the more expensive brands. The Chinese mechanisms often broke. I don't know about the Summit columns but if it was noticeably less expensive than the ones from FR or I, you might want to disassemble it and check for worn or broken parts. There is absolutely no slop or play in my Ididit tilt column.