Steering gearbox center play

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May 30, 2026 | 08:55 AM

CKnische

Thread Starter

8th Gear

Joined: May 2026

Posts: 8

Likes: 0

Steering gearbox center play

I have a ‘92 e250 with 115k miles on it. This is my first older utility van so I was surprised at how hard it was to keep the thing tracking straight at speed (55 mph +). I have read that this is just the way it is with these vans (and trucks that share the same steering gear) but I also read that things can get better by adjusting the sector shaft screw on the gearbox. I tightened things up but it made no difference right up to the point that I could tell it was binding. So I figured it was just worn out. The steering wheel had like 1” of free play in each direction (2” total dead zone).

So I ordered and installed a remanufactured gearbox and a new intermediate shaft…and absolutely no difference. Still have about 1” of free play in each direction.

everything else is tight (rod ends, steering column, etc).

I guess I need to fork over the big bucks for the red or blue gearboxes to get reasonable free play in the steering?

-Curtis

May 30, 2026 | 06:01 PM

maples01

Lead Driver

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 5,018

Likes: 132

From: Maryville

This used to be the best option, not sure now tho.

https://redheadsteeringgears.com/sho...ne%20150%20Van

Yesterday | 09:43 AM

OCBlue88

5th Wheeling

Joined: Apr 2026

Posts: 44

Likes: 6

Mine is the same. No problem when the road is smooth, but when it's bumpy its BOTH hands on the wheel at all times.

I read that a steering damper helps a lot. A number of these are available as aftermarket bolt-on. May only help with bump-steer and not steering free play.

Yesterday | 04:36 PM

maples01

Lead Driver

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 5,018

Likes: 132

From: Maryville

Quote:

Originally Posted by OCBlue88

Its a shock on the steering, I've had them in the past on my big 4x4's for oversize tires, it is a bandaid for a more serious issue of loose steering components, be it ball joints, tie rod ends, or worn steering gear, I never needed one on my 83 Suburban on 35's, nor my 99 E350. Now my 89 E150 have all new parts on it, and the new steering box is still lose, Chinese can't seem to get it right I guess.