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Steering Adjustment ?'s

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Old Jan 18, 2009 | 11:57 AM
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97biostroke
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Steering Adjustment ?'s

My dad's got an 03 PSD and wanted me to do post a thread for him. Right now its got just under 120k miles and brand new ball joints, brakes, tires, the works. When driving down the road it likes to wander, not pull one way or the other, just wander back and forth. The tires are aligned as well. Also, the steering is somewhat loose, and when in park with the truck off you can hear a "clunking" in the steering box when you move the steering wheel. I've heard of tightening up the steering on OBS trucks, but can you adjust it on an 03? Or is this just completely normal and something you just have to deal with? I think he's mainly worried about the noise from the steering box. Once again, just checking if this is normal, its not a major concern. Thanks in advance for the help
 
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Old Jan 18, 2009 | 12:35 PM
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the steering box can be replaced. but your problem is the tie rods the knuckels are bad and need to be replaced. along with sway bar bushings in the front .your looking at around $400.00 TO replace all. I need to do mine also. just don't have time right now
 
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Old Jan 18, 2009 | 06:26 PM
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Alright i think we'll get under and check it out soon and probably get that fixed. Thanks for the help
 
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Old Jan 18, 2009 | 09:30 PM
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Originally Posted by 97biostroke
Alright i think we'll get under and check it out soon and probably get that fixed. Thanks for the help
You can also tighten the steering if everything else checks out ok. There is a jam nut on top of your steering box and allen screw loosen jam nut and turn allen screw counter clock wise wont take much. just a little bit and check it if still some slop turn it a little more just dont go to far with it.
 
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Old Jan 19, 2009 | 09:10 PM
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Originally Posted by tobacco farmer
You can also tighten the steering if everything else checks out ok.
I understand that this procedure can be problematic, as the gear box generally wears around center. While adjusting the slack on center may eliminate the apparent play the net result will be that when the steering is turned beyond center it will be over tight and the steering will bind and not return freely as it normally would recover from a turn.

The only repair for a worn gear box is to replace it.
 
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Old Jan 19, 2009 | 11:21 PM
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Originally Posted by theonlypheonix
I understand that this procedure can be problematic, as the gear box generally wears around center. While adjusting the slack on center may eliminate the apparent play the net result will be that when the steering is turned beyond center it will be over tight and the steering will bind and not return freely as it normally would recover from a turn.

The only repair for a worn gear box is to replace it.
You are exactly right but like I said dont go to far just a little turn and you will be ok done it on mine and some dodges and they have never caused me no problems. no more than 30 degrees!!! Get you by for a little but you will need to get a new gear box asap!!!
 
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Old Jan 21, 2009 | 03:28 PM
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I believe that you turn the allen CLOCKWISE,,,,,
 
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Old Jan 21, 2009 | 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by chazman
I believe that you turn the allen CLOCKWISE,,,,,
You are exactly right dont know what I was thinking
 
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Old Feb 27, 2009 | 10:03 PM
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By any chance does anyone have a picture of the jam nut on top of the steering box? Its pretty tight in there, and I have to reach up from below to try to find the nut. I haven't done this before, so I don't know what I'm looking for.

I have a 2003 super duty, and the steering has been "loose" since I first bought the truck. I would really like to try to tighten this jam nut to see if it makes a difference. Thanks for you help.
 
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Old Feb 28, 2009 | 07:25 PM
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I finally found the nut and tighted it a 1/4 of a turn x 3. It seems to be better, but I'm wondering if I should try to tighten it more. Does any know what the risk is if I go to far?
 
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