steering
New User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: utah
steering
I converted the pw-assist to 78 gear box. It all works fine except that there is alot of play in the steering. When i am going some what fast around corners it feels like i dont have total control of my truck. It makes me alittle nervous when driving that if something happens i will not be able to regain control.
Is there anything that i can do to fix this problem?
thanks
Is there anything that i can do to fix this problem?
thanks
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,977
Likes: 2,733
From: Virginia
steering
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 23-Aug-02 AT 01:11 PM (EST)]Steering boxes have a "sweet spot" in the middle of their travel. This gives good steering feel when going straight down the road. It loosens up when making sharp turns to make maneuvering easier. Disconnect the pitman arm from the linkage, and then turn the steering wheel till it stops. Turn it all the way to the other side, counting the number of turns. Divide this in 1/2 and put the steering wheel in the center. Go out and check the pitman arm and see how far off it is, when the tires are pointing straight ahead. Since you did the swap, you may have to do some head scratching to get it to line up, since it's not stock.
Also, when adjusting the play in the box, you always have to have the box centered when doing the adjustment.
Also, when adjusting the play in the box, you always have to have the box centered when doing the adjustment.
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: nc
steering
top of the box viewed from the front of the truck, you will find a nut with a slotted screw. place a box end wrench over the nut and use a large blade screw driver. brake the nut loose while holding the screw driver in place. turn the screw driver 1/4 turns and retighten the nut and check steering play. now before i would adjust the box inspect all the front suspension and rule out wear. look also at the radius arm bushing. then have a friend turn the wheel from inside the truck and observe the amount of movement at the rag joint. you will only be able to adjust the box to a point. box relacement should be considered if the truck has a lot of miles.
