Alignment done right
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More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2023
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From: South of Orlando
Alignment done right
I replaced links and tie rod ends in my 64. Now, the alignment is very close to where I want. Trouble is, the steering wheel is no longer straight when going straight down the road. I am tempted to take the steering wheel off and see if I can just put it back on so it is straight. Am I overthinking it? I worry that when turning from full left to full right, straight will not be in the middle. I mean, 1.2 turns left might be fully turned to stop but 1.5 turns right might be to stop if I just take the steering wheel off and get it straight when the tires are straight.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,255
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Not overthinking.
The fixed center link only allows adjustment to be made at the single tie rod, thus bringing the left wheel in line with wherever the right may be. Therefore the only way to center the steering wheel is to remove and reposition.
The fixed center link only allows adjustment to be made at the single tie rod, thus bringing the left wheel in line with wherever the right may be. Therefore the only way to center the steering wheel is to remove and reposition.
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More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2023
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From: South of Orlando
Wow! That was a quick response and helps relieve the anxiety of if I needed to correct something that I did so far. Thanks! Now to figure out how to remove the horn without breaking something. Anything to worry about before I start prying it off ?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2016
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You do have adjusting sleeves at the tie rod ends...correct?
Edit: I may have to retract my statements. Looks like adjusting sleeves started in 1965.
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More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2023
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From: South of Orlando
It's one tie rod from side to side and a non adjustable link to the steering arm from the steering box to the left wheel. Excuse me for any wrong terms.
By push down, I think you meant in toward the steering shaft, right? Not down toward the seat?
By push down, I think you meant in toward the steering shaft, right? Not down toward the seat?
Lead Gopher
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Seattle
This plastic piece or a similar facsimile called the 'horn blowing index plate' holds the horn ring/button on. The 3 plastic tabs go into the notches in the steering wheel. Disconnect the battery and then push inwards like you are blowing the horn and then turn it counterclockwise.
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Fleet Mechanic
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I respectfully disagree with removing the steering wheel to center the steering. The tie rod ends can be adjusted to center the steering. Hopefully you have a means of measuring the toe. Once the toe is correct, take the truck for a short drive to judge where the steering wheel should be for driving straight, then adjust the tie rods on both sides to maintain the correct toe and center the steering wheel.
You do have adjusting sleeves at the tie rod ends...correct?
Edit: I may have to retract my statements. Looks like adjusting sleeves started in 1965.
You do have adjusting sleeves at the tie rod ends...correct?
Edit: I may have to retract my statements. Looks like adjusting sleeves started in 1965.
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