I think I'm screwed

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Sep 21, 2009 | 12:49 PM

LonW

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I think I'm screwed

While trying to find out why I've chewed off the inner tread on my front tires, as I move the driver front tire back and forth, I can see a front to rear movement on the main shaft of the steering box. There's also a good one to two inches of movement in the tire before you feel any real resistance. The worst part is this a rebuilt steering gear box which only has about 5K miles on it. Am I correct in assuming I got burned on the gear box? Any advice and/or sympathy is greatly appreciated.

LonW

Sep 21, 2009 | 02:00 PM

gangstakr

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From: Hemet ca.

Where did you get the gear box from? Can you take it back?

Sep 21, 2009 | 02:22 PM

LonW

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I think I'm screwed

It's pushing two years since I bought the box, so returning it is probably not possible. I was hoping for an 'in vehicle' repair or adjustment, since I'd need a lift to drop it out. I paid a shop rate of $65/hr. to have it installed. Ouch.

Sep 21, 2009 | 02:26 PM

gangstakr

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From: Hemet ca.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LonW

Probably not, But still worth a try. Is it local to you? can you get your truck to them?

Sep 21, 2009 | 02:35 PM

LonW

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I can't remember just where the box came from, but I'm out in the boonies of central Utah. I forgot to mention it's a '64 so it's a one piece box and steering shaft. Don't want to pay that shop rate until I absolutely have to.

Sep 21, 2009 | 04:43 PM

jowilker

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 1999

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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

Lon, Sounds like you need an alignment. I wouldn't think your steering gear would cause that kind of wear.

John

Sep 21, 2009 | 05:21 PM

oldblu

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Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 207

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From: Ferndale, WA

I agree with John. The steering gear can't affect tire wear and in the process of the alignment, you'll be told of any of the linkage it too worn to hold the alignment. Maybe someone that knows more about the 64 can tell you if there is an adjustment for some play in the steering gear. I know 65-66 has an adjustment. It seems logical to me that after 5k miles on a rebuilt gear, you might be due for an adjustment.

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Sep 21, 2009 | 06:13 PM

William

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From: Sun River St. George

I'd check the tie rod ends for wear, then the king pins, the wheel bearings, spring shackles and then have it aligned. At least the toe adjusted in a bit. The gear box may need an adjustment or it could be worn but I'd check all the other possibilities first. Changing out a worn gearbox on a 64 is likley worth 65 bucks an hour shop rate, especially if the mechanic knows what he is doing. Take it back there and politley insist they check it out. Could be something minor. IMHO!