steering gear box
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
There is a preload adjustment on the top of the steering box. You back the set nut off a bit, then while holding the nut, turn the allen screw within it clockwise. Do this in 1/4 turn increments at the most. If you put too much preload on the shaft, it will cause other steering problems. However on my 96 F250 4x4, adjusting the preload helped a lot. The same has been true in most of my other recirculating ball vehicles that have some miles on them. Tie rods, wheel bearings, tires, bushings, ball joints, and steering rag joint can all cause slop. This is most of a band aid than a fix, but I hardly trust remaned boxes out there.
