steering box
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 34
From: S/W Virginia
steering box
i adjusted my steering box today, and was just wondering something. ive heard if you get it too tight, it will bust the gears in it. is this true, and if so, how do you know how tight you can get it? I was afraid to go too tight.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Arlington, Wa.
Yes, you can go too tight. I'm not sure as to the procedure, but I have an origional set of factory repair manuals for my '67 I can look at for ya if it covers the same box you have. What year is yours? Is it manual or power?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 141
Likes: 1
From: Il.
there is a inch foot lb. spec. turning the wheel over center with linkage disconnected
or you can just tighten a little at a time until it feels to tight when turning the wheel and backing the adj. of a little bit.
or you can just tighten a little at a time until it feels to tight when turning the wheel and backing the adj. of a little bit.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento California
I got the same problem with my 72 4x4, I turned it till the nut bottomed out and I still had a lil play in it, I read here not to do that and loosend it 1/3 of a turn.I still have play but not as bad and I took a 60 mile round trip yesterday and im still around and so is the truck.Power steering will be a priority next on this truck If I still have it before next summer (may trade it for a dodge same year but p/s a/c)
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Arlington, Wa.
Originally Posted by idealtrucks
rikg, that would be good if you could get the specs for me. its a 1970 with manual steering
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 835
Likes: 0
From: Fort Rucker, AL
I had the same problem with my '69 steering gear box. I was told that you have to jack the front end and get both front tires off the ground to adjust the box correctly. You don't want to get it too tight because you'll kill the worm gear inside the box. Just adjust the box until you are satisfied with the play/usable distance ratio. Just a note, my truck is 2wd.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 8
From: Brea CA
Technically you're suppose to disconnect the linkage from the pitman arm and use the torque spec. but you can raise the front end and do it that way if you got a good "feel" for how tight it should be.
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