Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Steering box adjustment

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 10, 2004 | 09:08 PM
  #1  
jbjb5081's Avatar
jbjb5081
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Steering box adjustment

I am trying to adjust the the slack out of my steering box.I can not break the nut that holds the adjuster screw.I have tried wd-40&buster with no luck.I don't want to break it off.Anybody else have this problem?
Thanks
 
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2004 | 09:30 PM
  #2  
SoCalDesertRider's Avatar
SoCalDesertRider
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,959
Likes: 9
From: USA
I dont remember having a problem breaking the locknut loose on mine. Maybe try an impact wrench? Be sure you're turning it the right way first, I don't remember if they are reverse threaded or not, I don't think they are. Once you do get it loose, be VERY careful of overtightening the gear, as that will wear it out real quick. I learned that after I tightened mine a little too tight some years ago.
 
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2004 | 10:29 PM
  #3  
fordberg's Avatar
fordberg
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
From: Spokane
I think I had to tap the wrench with a hammer. It is hard to get to. It is not a reverse thread. In case you don't know how to adjust one, I do this.

The nut is a self lock nut so if you turn the screw the nut will turn also. Mark where the screw is currently. A steering box needs some play in it so that it is comfortable to drive. If the screw is too tight then you have to over-correct when you drive. If too loose then you chase the road around. The best setting is to have just a little bit of chasing the road. If the gear box is loose then there are two ways I suggest to adjust.

1) Tighten the screw about 1/8 of a turn at a time. Take it for a drive. If it is loose then tighten more.

2) Set your wheels straight ahead. Back off the adjusting nut while hold the screw so you have some thread to play with. Turn the screw in until it stops. Back the screw out a quarter turn. tighten the nut without turning the screw.
 
Reply
Old Jun 17, 2004 | 10:30 PM
  #4  
jbjb5081's Avatar
jbjb5081
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Thank you all ,got it and no more slop!!!!
 
Reply
Old Jun 23, 2004 | 08:44 AM
  #5  
DannyP's Avatar
DannyP
Elder User
25 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 656
Likes: 0
From: Gravel Switch, KY
Just wanted some clarification. To tighten the steering, the screw is turned clockwise?
Thanks,
DannyP
 
Reply
Old Jun 23, 2004 | 06:53 PM
  #6  
jbjb5081's Avatar
jbjb5081
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
That is correct.Mark it first.Then do 1/8 to 1/4 turns.Do not over tighten it.
 
Reply
Old Jun 24, 2004 | 02:10 AM
  #7  
HardScrabble's Avatar
HardScrabble
Temporarily Deactivated
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,859
Likes: 2
Read the book, this screw does not do what you think it does.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
craigibc
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Nov 15, 2014 01:36 PM
Snowseeker
Excursion - King of SUVs
19
Jun 20, 2012 09:32 PM
79FordBlake
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Apr 17, 2010 12:13 AM
jsalty
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Nov 17, 2009 06:40 PM
daniel47
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
11
Nov 10, 2009 11:36 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:56 AM.