Steering Box Tightening Question
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 318
Likes: 25
Steering Box Tightening Question
96 F250 5.8 e40D
Two questions.
Background - My steering was a little loose so I looked at some videos and found the adjustment screw. The videos don't really show what to do, they just tell you. So I loosened the nut (16mm) and then could not figure out how to move the center screw. SO I just tighened it up again. But just that did tighten it up a little, I guess because the center screw moves. My two questions:
1 - how do I adjust the center screw itself?
2 - how tight is too tight? Right now, it feels pretty good but if I turn the steering wheel anywhere from 10-2 oclock, it will stay there. In theory, this is too tight, right? On the other hand it feels like reman steering boxes I've installed in other cars. Is it possible that I'm within the margin of error or should I back it out a little bit?
Thanks!
Two questions.
Background - My steering was a little loose so I looked at some videos and found the adjustment screw. The videos don't really show what to do, they just tell you. So I loosened the nut (16mm) and then could not figure out how to move the center screw. SO I just tighened it up again. But just that did tighten it up a little, I guess because the center screw moves. My two questions:
1 - how do I adjust the center screw itself?
2 - how tight is too tight? Right now, it feels pretty good but if I turn the steering wheel anywhere from 10-2 oclock, it will stay there. In theory, this is too tight, right? On the other hand it feels like reman steering boxes I've installed in other cars. Is it possible that I'm within the margin of error or should I back it out a little bit?
Thanks!
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 318
Likes: 25
There's no flathead mark. Actually at first it looked like a hex fitting but then turned out to be just a circle.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 742
From: Maryland
That adjustment bolt is changing the gear backlash in the steering box. It's the same principle as setting up a ring and pinion in a differential and from what I've read, there is a specific process for adjusting it, that involves torque settings.
I've never done it. If your steering won't return to center, it's too tight. Over the long run, having it too tight could damage your steering box.
Have you checked the shim in this video? I found this while researching ways to tighten my steering. I haven't tried it yet but it's where I plan to start. https://youtube.com/watch?v=1M2gAy5HSdM&si=M6URaJ4zeE3YOib3
I've never done it. If your steering won't return to center, it's too tight. Over the long run, having it too tight could damage your steering box.
Have you checked the shim in this video? I found this while researching ways to tighten my steering. I haven't tried it yet but it's where I plan to start. https://youtube.com/watch?v=1M2gAy5HSdM&si=M6URaJ4zeE3YOib3
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 303
From: Kenner,La.
Steering box
I have done this more times than I can remember. Just snug the slotted screw a little at a time and as previously stated. If it gets too tight and the wheel does not return just back it off 1/4 turn at a time until it feels right.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 47
Likes: 17
From: On a Dirt Road in BFE
I was always told to never adjust it "as the world will come to an end" but even from my time at Ford...we did. The old wisdom said usually if its that sloppy its pretty much time for a new box but to get by we would give them a 1/4-1/2 turn and lock it down but took as the the 10 minute warning and to start saving up for a box.
IIRC I adjusted mine 10or so years ago and its again at that point where its sloppy. I rebuilt the front end by replacing all the ball joints and tie rods and its still not where I want it so I gave mine a 1/3 of turn and dont like the feel. In the last month I replaced the rear springs and shackles, the fronts are on there way and I'm going to do the pivot bushings. The plan is to do a string alignment and then get a new box and have it machine aligned. Just have to spread out the parts a little as its gotten expensive over the summer.
IIRC I adjusted mine 10or so years ago and its again at that point where its sloppy. I rebuilt the front end by replacing all the ball joints and tie rods and its still not where I want it so I gave mine a 1/3 of turn and dont like the feel. In the last month I replaced the rear springs and shackles, the fronts are on there way and I'm going to do the pivot bushings. The plan is to do a string alignment and then get a new box and have it machine aligned. Just have to spread out the parts a little as its gotten expensive over the summer.
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Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 318
Likes: 25
Yes But...
I appreciate all the help but no one is really answering either one of my questions.
1 - HOW do I adjust this? Right now, the inner screw turns more or less with the nut. I've remove the nut enturely, greased it, etc. I do not see a way to turn the inner screw by itself, or to hold it in place while I tighten the nut. Someone said a slotted screwdriver. What do you use it on? I don't find any slots.
2 - Is it too tight as I described? The wheel feels pretty good, but it does not snap back from 11 or 1. Beyond that, it does snap back to about 11 or 1. It feels like another car I have with a new steering box, but people say if it doesn't snap back all the time it's too tight. I'd like other opinions. I just never paid this much attention before I don't think.
Roger Wilco on needing a new box and planning that purchase/installation starting now. But if you could tell me how to perform the adjustment, I would appreciate it. What tool do you use and where?
1 - HOW do I adjust this? Right now, the inner screw turns more or less with the nut. I've remove the nut enturely, greased it, etc. I do not see a way to turn the inner screw by itself, or to hold it in place while I tighten the nut. Someone said a slotted screwdriver. What do you use it on? I don't find any slots.
2 - Is it too tight as I described? The wheel feels pretty good, but it does not snap back from 11 or 1. Beyond that, it does snap back to about 11 or 1. It feels like another car I have with a new steering box, but people say if it doesn't snap back all the time it's too tight. I'd like other opinions. I just never paid this much attention before I don't think.
Roger Wilco on needing a new box and planning that purchase/installation starting now. But if you could tell me how to perform the adjustment, I would appreciate it. What tool do you use and where?
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,837
Likes: 2,437
I appreciate all the help but no one is really answering either one of my questions.
1 - HOW do I adjust this? Right now, the inner screw turns more or less with the nut. I've remove the nut enturely, greased it, etc. I do not see a way to turn the inner screw by itself, or to hold it in place while I tighten the nut. Someone said a slotted screwdriver. What do you use it on? I don't find any slots.
2 - Is it too tight as I described? The wheel feels pretty good, but it does not snap back from 11 or 1. Beyond that, it does snap back to about 11 or 1. It feels like another car I have with a new steering box, but people say if it doesn't snap back all the time it's too tight. I'd like other opinions. I just never paid this much attention before I don't think.
Roger Wilco on needing a new box and planning that purchase/installation starting now. But if you could tell me how to perform the adjustment, I would appreciate it. What tool do you use and where?
1 - HOW do I adjust this? Right now, the inner screw turns more or less with the nut. I've remove the nut enturely, greased it, etc. I do not see a way to turn the inner screw by itself, or to hold it in place while I tighten the nut. Someone said a slotted screwdriver. What do you use it on? I don't find any slots.
2 - Is it too tight as I described? The wheel feels pretty good, but it does not snap back from 11 or 1. Beyond that, it does snap back to about 11 or 1. It feels like another car I have with a new steering box, but people say if it doesn't snap back all the time it's too tight. I'd like other opinions. I just never paid this much attention before I don't think.
Roger Wilco on needing a new box and planning that purchase/installation starting now. But if you could tell me how to perform the adjustment, I would appreciate it. What tool do you use and where?
I mark the gear housing where the slot is lined up so I have a starting point for reference. Then I loosen the nut while holding the adjustment screw with a screwdriver. I tighten the screw a couple degrees, tighten the locknut and recheck for “free play” in the gear. If needed -repeat the process. DO NOT take all the play out of the gear or you will not only cause the wheel not to return to center but also damage the steering gear.
Here is how it says to do it in the service manual
I hope you only removed the nut and not the screw. If so, you now have no idea where it was previously.
From what you described, it does seem like it is now too tight.
Not to be rude but it sounds like you are in over your head. Drive it like it is until you can replace the gear.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 991
Likes: 317
Someone correct me if I'm wrong but this gen of obs trucks have a steering stabilizer...right? I have a 94 and it drifts so bad and has a lot of play to it. Whoever drives it goes insane because they almost run off the road 
... it takes skill to drive mine. Anyway it also feels loose and I think that could be your problem. As for adjustment of the steering box itself I think there isn't much adjustment to it like My4Fordtrucks is saying. I tried that on my 76 F150 and it I couldn't ever get it to tighten up. It was either too tight or loose as hell. I've heard everyone say it's just a Ford thing. If it's that bothersome it's probably best just to replace the steering box.
... it takes skill to drive mine. Anyway it also feels loose and I think that could be your problem. As for adjustment of the steering box itself I think there isn't much adjustment to it like My4Fordtrucks is saying. I tried that on my 76 F150 and it I couldn't ever get it to tighten up. It was either too tight or loose as hell. I've heard everyone say it's just a Ford thing. If it's that bothersome it's probably best just to replace the steering box.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,471
Likes: 2,633
From: Near Salt Lake City
It is hard to turn the screw inside the sealing nut
Not sure what answer you are looking for as I have overhauled a hundred or more steering boxes myself as well
The sector shaft adjusting screw turns damn easy without the nut on there, but with the nut it's tough
If you remove the nut it needs to be replaced (a new one comes in a gear seal kit)
Not sure what answer you are looking for as I have overhauled a hundred or more steering boxes myself as well
The sector shaft adjusting screw turns damn easy without the nut on there, but with the nut it's tough
If you remove the nut it needs to be replaced (a new one comes in a gear seal kit)
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,837
Likes: 2,437
Someone correct me if I'm wrong but this gen of obs trucks have a steering stabilizer...right? I have a 94 and it drifts so bad and has a lot of play to it…..I've heard everyone say it's just a Ford thing. If it's that bothersome it's probably best just to replace the steering box.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 991
Likes: 317
No. There was never a factory installed steering stabilizer. If your truck is drifting and has lots of play then you have worn parts and/or the alignment is way off. Definitely not a “Ford thing”. I have none of the issues you described. My trucks track straight down the road with very little input from me.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 12,338
Likes: 1,314
From: Central Mississippi
Replace the KNOWN loose/worn suspension items FIRST before monkeying with steering box.
Not a magic bullet & not rocket science.
My process:
Flat head screwdriver & box wrench. Place screwdriver in slot. Hold fast. Break nut & swing wrench counterclockwise 90*
If screw driver moved, turn clockwise to original position that you thoughtfully pre-marked.
Turn screwdriver 45*, or quarter turn clockwise. Tighten nut without moving screwdriver. Done. NO MORE
Not a magic bullet & not rocket science.
My process:
Flat head screwdriver & box wrench. Place screwdriver in slot. Hold fast. Break nut & swing wrench counterclockwise 90*
If screw driver moved, turn clockwise to original position that you thoughtfully pre-marked.
Turn screwdriver 45*, or quarter turn clockwise. Tighten nut without moving screwdriver. Done. NO MORE
