55 Steering Adjustment
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 366
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55 Steering Adjustment
Well here's where I'm at trying to isolate the cause of my steering play. As a recap, I don't really notice it that much when I'm going 30-35 mph but anything after that, it's pretty scary trying to keep it straight. I've inspected the drag link, tie rod ends, bearings, and king pins; all seem to be good. With the truck sitting still, if I start turning the wheel, I hear a (lack of a better word) a "thump sound in the steering box. While lying under the truck, I had my daughter slowly turn the wheel and as she did, I could hear the sound and afterwards, the pitman arm starts to move as normal. What I would like to try next is adjust the steering via the nut on the steering box however, I could not locate any clear instructions in my shop manual. I "think" what I need to do is loosen the lock nut and turn the nut 1/4 turn clockwise-tighten down the nut and test it out for reduction in play. Adjust another 1/4 turn if necessary...am I on the right track? Many thanks for the help for this "rookie" old truck guy.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 335
Likes: 3
From: Centennial, CO
The thump sound in the gear box could be worn worm gear and or sector gear. Adjustment may or may not help. I ordered a book from Speedway Motors (P/N 910-85208) on rebuilding the steering box. It is worth the money ($7.99)
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
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From: Poway, Ca.
Check your toe in and make sure it is at least 1/16 inch in - maybe go as high as 1/8 in.
Also check to see if you have any shims between your axel and springs. If your caster angle is not up at about at least 4 degrees it will wander on you too. If both of them are off, they compound.
The steering box may be loose, but something is causing your tires to drive the truck not vice versa as it should be. I'd for sure check those two alignment issues!
Also check to see if you have any shims between your axel and springs. If your caster angle is not up at about at least 4 degrees it will wander on you too. If both of them are off, they compound.
The steering box may be loose, but something is causing your tires to drive the truck not vice versa as it should be. I'd for sure check those two alignment issues!
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2010
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Julie-good points. I was planning anyhow to take it to my tire shop for an allignment check. One thing is the wheels and tires are not stock. It has P275/60R15 radials; rather large wheels & tires but they look nice. I'll let you know how I make out. Steve
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
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From: Poway, Ca.
I completely rebuilt my front end and everything helped at each step. The big kicker was the spring rework. You could take my springs and move them side to side about 9 inches. Alignment was the other. They made the springs especially for my truck, were reverse eye, and incorporated a 6 degree castor angle. I can drive 80 mph and take my hands off the wheel.
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2010
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I just wanted to share a quick update-the steering is much better now thanks to a front end allignment. It was way out of allignment. Thanks for all the help. The next thing I need to change out is the clutch pedal return spring. My existing one has seen it's better days.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,776
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From: springfield il
if you decide to adjust your box anyway it's simple . you'll see a "screw" with a jam nut on you box . loosen the jam nut and tighten the screw till you feel bindiong in the box as you try to turn the wheel . when you feel the binding back off till it doesn't bind anymore tighten it , the jam nut , up and that's all you can do . it helped mine out considerably .
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2010
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Thanks for the tip however, my set-up is a bit different. Although there is a lock nut, I could not see the screw slot rather there is a star plate benieth the nut.
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2010
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Julie, thanks for sharing the photo! Beautiful truck! How was the steering on the 55? Maybe I'm expecting too much from an old truck. The play is not all that bad-it's just more noticeable at slower speeds vice 55 mph.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
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From: Poway, Ca.
I drove from Central Oregon to San Diego in it at least 20 times and never noticed a problem.
I just completely redid all my front end stuff and suspension/tires in the 51 and the world of difference each thing made was phenominal. When I started I was really afraid to take it over 45. Now I can drive 75 and take my hands off the wheel and it doesn't move!
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