steering
New User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
steering
Bought an 82 250 recently and am having the same problems as some others in the steering drifting. There was also a ton of play on the steering, so I tightened it up some at the gear box, but I really don't know how tight is too much, or how much play is tolerable. I'm thinking that the box may be worn or shot but how do I tell? By tightening to the point where I eliminate play, the steering seems to not want to unwind after turning as easily as before, it should unwind on it's own some right? But if I do that I have play.
The second thing is has anyone out there been able to alieviate drifting 100% maybe with the use of dual steering stabilizers?
I want to get rid of this before I drop this big old 460 in while I still have room to work.
The second thing is has anyone out there been able to alieviate drifting 100% maybe with the use of dual steering stabilizers?
I want to get rid of this before I drop this big old 460 in while I still have room to work.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,485
Likes: 3
steering
First of all, you should adjust the gear box a little at a time or it will wear very quickly. Next, check all of the suspention bushings and universal joints in the axle shafts, replacing any worn parts. This also goes for ball joints, and tie rods. Then have your truck aligned by a good shop. If you install a 460 in place of the I6,you will have to beef up the front springs to handle the extra load. I would get a set of replacement springs designed for your truck with a big block. This will also cause the need for an alignment, so do all of this at one time. Hope this helps.
Nathan
Nathan
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 0
From: Lower 48
steering
If your truck has power steering then fire it up. Loosen the adjuster screw. Slowly retighten it as you turn the steering wheel back and forth. When there is no more play in the steering wheel stop and tighten down your lock nut making sure the adjuster doesn't turn. Like the above post, also check out the rest of the steering components.
Trail Rider
Trail Rider
