so I am tired of my steering. I have heard alot about you guys tightening the steering box nut. I have searched the forums and cannot find a write up on it.

Does anyone have a write up on how to tighten the steering box nut?

How far should I tighten, and all that good stuff?

Thanks

 

bump, was driving the other day and thought of the same thing.

 

Add me to this.

 

I had a thread going on this awhile back. I don't know how to link to it and I tried to bump it up, but I guess it won't let me. You can find it in my posts.

 

Here you go.

Locate the allen bolt and locknut on top of the steering box. It’s close to the radiator. The locknut should be a 5/8".

Mark the allen bolt so you’re oriented and know where the start point is, then loosen the locknut.

Turn the allen bolt clockwise a quarter turn to tighten the gear mesh. Tighten the locknut and road test your vehicle.

Be careful not to over-tighten the allen bolt. If you do, the steering may become too tight and get extremely stiff during a tight turn, possibly causing you to drive off the roadway.

Keep repeating the sequence, turning the allen bolt a ¼ turn at a time, followed by a test drive, until you're satisfied with the performance. If you over-tighten the allen bolt, turn the allen bolt back a quarter turn, counter-clockwise.

There is a risk of over tightening the box and causing it to wear out prematurely, so I suggest you tighten it to the point where the slop is gone, and no further.

Most people will turn the allen bolt three-quarters of a rotation to one and one half rotations before they’re happy with the results.

Stewart

 

Should I worry about putting lock tight on the the bolt? Or will the bolt stay tight enough?

 

The lock nut that is on the box will suffice. No need for locktite.

Stewart

 

Ok so I did this fix this weekend. Easier then I originally thought. What I have noticed is:

1. Some of the steering wander is gone, but not all.
2. Steering wheel has gotten a little tighter.


I must have some alignment issues?

I only tightened the nut about 1/2 turn, should I go more?

Any ideas where to go next?

Thanks

 

the way i read to do it was to have the front end off the ground and have some one move the well as it is tightened. i had the same thing and the nut did not fix it i just bought a new one and put it on cost 200 for me to do it in 4 hours or 800 for Ford to do it, and it is like a new truck. if it is bad look at the pitman arms, there will be some slack in the steering just the way it is.

edit also put new ATF in the pump and it helped more on the wondering.

 

I guess doing the adjustment would be helpful before I start changing front end parts.

 

Did you buy an OEM steering box?

 

no it was one with a life time warranty for Auto Zone. it has been on there 5000 miles and so fare it has been good.

 

at the bottom of Stewarts post he said most go at least 3/4 of a turn before being happy

 

you can get one form Ed for 235.00, i had the 9 spline. i just got mine form auto zone for the warranty.

Steering gear, f250 pick-up, from 3/99, 9 spline - power - 4wd - 1999-07 super duty - POWER - 4WD - 1999-07 SUPER DUTY
99-02 $235.18

www.partsguyed.com

 

Adjusting the steering box should be part of an alignment.