Steering box adjustment results???
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 267
From: Middle Georgia
Steering box adjustment results???
I'm going to go go over all the joints again before touching the steering box, but I think the box is the source of a lot of my steering play. I know that there is a procedure for adjusting the box.
For those that have tried the adjustment procedure, did it work? How were the long term results? Did the improvement last or did it go right back to being loose soon after?
Wondering if it is worth trying to adjust, or if I'd be ahead of the game getting a better steering box. I'd much rather do the adjustment if it's likely to work and last, than spend the money on a GOOD steering box (IE: Blue-Top or Red Head). I'm thinking that if I'm going to have to adjust it every few oil changes then it's worth the time and money to change it.
For those that have tried the adjustment procedure, did it work? How were the long term results? Did the improvement last or did it go right back to being loose soon after?
Wondering if it is worth trying to adjust, or if I'd be ahead of the game getting a better steering box. I'd much rather do the adjustment if it's likely to work and last, than spend the money on a GOOD steering box (IE: Blue-Top or Red Head). I'm thinking that if I'm going to have to adjust it every few oil changes then it's worth the time and money to change it.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,271
Likes: 1,654
From: Las Cruces New Mexico
A quarter of a turn then test it, if you turn the bolt to much you risk of having memory steer and it's dangerous. And yes it usually works unless the steering box is all clapped out.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 972
Likes: 359
From: Glendale, AZ
I did it about 2 years ago. Had about 2.5" of slop at the steering wheel. Got it to about half that.
Jacked up the front end, turned the wheels - engine off to feel how the ends of the steering feel.
turned in very small increments - maybe 1/8 at a time. Got up and turn the steering wheel - see if any 'feel' changed - tightness. did that several times, until I'd reduced the slop. I did not want over do. and it's been livable for 2 years.
You can easily go too tight - it will start to stiffen/bind at the full locks. You will break stuff.
After 2 years, all that being said. I have a new PSC unit in the front room waiting for cooler weather. As I don't want to go further and 1.5" of slop is still too much.
Jacked up the front end, turned the wheels - engine off to feel how the ends of the steering feel.
turned in very small increments - maybe 1/8 at a time. Got up and turn the steering wheel - see if any 'feel' changed - tightness. did that several times, until I'd reduced the slop. I did not want over do. and it's been livable for 2 years.
You can easily go too tight - it will start to stiffen/bind at the full locks. You will break stuff.
After 2 years, all that being said. I have a new PSC unit in the front room waiting for cooler weather. As I don't want to go further and 1.5" of slop is still too much.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 442
From: Eastern Washington
I tried adjusting mine before I put on a redhead.
I'd suggest adjusting it at close to full lock. I found, on mine, that there was almost no wear except in the center. (you know, where the wheel is 99% of the time) When I tried to adjust out the wear in the center the ends would get too tight.
I'd suggest adjusting it at close to full lock. I found, on mine, that there was almost no wear except in the center. (you know, where the wheel is 99% of the time) When I tried to adjust out the wear in the center the ends would get too tight.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 5,065
Likes: 1,415
From: Oologah, OK
I have been contemplating getting the PSC, because my Steering is so STIFF, it takes two hands to turn the wheel.
it got immensely worse, after I had it aligned and the castor raised from 2 to 5 degrees.
it will self center back on the road, almost, I have to help it the last 1/4 turn.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 972
Likes: 359
From: Glendale, AZ
What components did you buy, and how bad did it hit the wallet?
I have been contemplating getting the PSC, because my Steering is so STIFF, it takes two hands to turn the wheel.
it got immensely worse, after I had it aligned and the castor raised from 2 to 5 degrees.
it will self center back on the road, almost, I have to help it the last 1/4 turn.
I have been contemplating getting the PSC, because my Steering is so STIFF, it takes two hands to turn the wheel.
it got immensely worse, after I had it aligned and the castor raised from 2 to 5 degrees.
it will self center back on the road, almost, I have to help it the last 1/4 turn.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/PFN-SG752
and a new shaft to be sure.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/BRG-000306
There was 7 about 2 weeks ago when I was mulling this over and 4 left when I bought mine a week or so ago. So they're moving fast only 2 left now. I called PSC with a question - and they were out of stock and didn't have an eta, so may be unavailable for a bit if you hold off too long.
I also have the saginaw conversion sitting next to the box in the front room.. Again waiting for cooler days.
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 74
Likes: 24
I did it about 2 years ago. Had about 2.5" of slop at the steering wheel. Got it to about half that.
Jacked up the front end, turned the wheels - engine off to feel how the ends of the steering feel.
turned in very small increments - maybe 1/8 at a time. Got up and turn the steering wheel - see if any 'feel' changed - tightness. did that several times, until I'd reduced the slop. I did not want over do. and it's been livable for 2 years.
You can easily go too tight - it will start to stiffen/bind at the full locks. You will break stuff.
After 2 years, all that being said. I have a new PSC unit in the front room waiting for cooler weather. As I don't want to go further and 1.5" of slop is still too much.
Jacked up the front end, turned the wheels - engine off to feel how the ends of the steering feel.
turned in very small increments - maybe 1/8 at a time. Got up and turn the steering wheel - see if any 'feel' changed - tightness. did that several times, until I'd reduced the slop. I did not want over do. and it's been livable for 2 years.
You can easily go too tight - it will start to stiffen/bind at the full locks. You will break stuff.
After 2 years, all that being said. I have a new PSC unit in the front room waiting for cooler weather. As I don't want to go further and 1.5" of slop is still too much.
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,352
Likes: 5,946
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
I adjusted my OEM steering gear a bit when I first bought the truck. Ultimately the adjustment still fell very short of what I thought the steering response should be. I installed a "Blue Top" steering gear and all has been well since.
The adjusting did make a big difference, but I was uncomfortable with the steering at 55 MPH on the interstate towing the 5th wheel and going through concrete barriers in construction zones. It was not a good scenario to put myself, the truck or the other drivers into.
Zero regrets about going with a remanufactured box from a reputable source. Stay away from the parts stores, I had two of those boxes in the truck prior to the Blue Top and they were garbage from day one.
The adjusting did make a big difference, but I was uncomfortable with the steering at 55 MPH on the interstate towing the 5th wheel and going through concrete barriers in construction zones. It was not a good scenario to put myself, the truck or the other drivers into.
Zero regrets about going with a remanufactured box from a reputable source. Stay away from the parts stores, I had two of those boxes in the truck prior to the Blue Top and they were garbage from day one.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 972
Likes: 359
From: Glendale, AZ
I pretty much knew that I was eventually going to replace the box at some point. The adjustment can give you a bit of life turning something that may be borderline dangerous to usable. But you're not going to get a new box out of it. It will help though. And can buy you some time.
Another thing is several people have found slop in the steering shaft. A small fraction of a degree at the shaft will turn into a fair bit at the rim of the wheel.
Another thing is several people have found slop in the steering shaft. A small fraction of a degree at the shaft will turn into a fair bit at the rim of the wheel.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,021
Likes: 524
From: Bottom Of Pikes Peak
I tried adjusting mine and screwed up. bought a redhead way back, blue top wasn't even a thought. It's been fine and probably has the typical break in play now.
If I had to do it again today, I am not sure what i would do...probably something with a PSC and dump the POS ps pump. I'm on 35's and there's times it doesn't want to move them well.
I faintly remember talk about gear boxes and upgraded hydroboost units, etc. not sure what the best options are anymore
If I had to do it again today, I am not sure what i would do...probably something with a PSC and dump the POS ps pump. I'm on 35's and there's times it doesn't want to move them well.
I faintly remember talk about gear boxes and upgraded hydroboost units, etc. not sure what the best options are anymore
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