Newbie Steering Question...stop the slop!

[Cruiser1855]

Quick rundown on what I've done for my 62...rebuilt the steering knuckles, new TRE's, new steering dampener, new bfg's mounted and balanced and professional alignment. But I still have some pretty good slack in the steering. Very noticable at highway speeds.

Any suggestions on what to do next? 230k on the clock. Am I just being too optimistic?

I've read to adjust the drag link...would it help that much?

Thx for the help.

 

[Ducks]

What is the measured distance of the steering wheel rotation without the wheels moving?

 

[Cruiser1855]

What is the measured distance of the steering wheel rotation without the wheels moving?

Haven't measured it, but you're right, there is some play even when it's in park. Should I be searching for steering wheel adjustment? Sorry if my rookieness is showing through.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Even when new the drag link ends are set up too loose. It's a stupid system and I don't know why Toyota used it.

I adjust the ends by cranking the adjuster all the way down, and backing off about 1/2 turn and the slop is acceptable.

There is a play adjustment for the box, but that is rarely the problem and most times you are better off leaving that alone.

 

[Cruiser1855]

Thanks, I'll try that next. I'll adjust my expectations to "acceptable slop."

 

[Ducks]

Thanks, I'll try that next. I'll adjust my expectations to "acceptable slop."

For better or worse, you do get used to it.

 

[NocalFJ60]

After replacing just about everything in my steering system, I didn't get rid of the slop until I got my gearbox rebuilt by West Texas Offroad. They rebuilt it for about $150 and adjust the box for no slop. It was my original box which was leaking and worn.

 

[Cruiser1855]

For better or worse, you do get used to it.

Ha...till death do us part? I like it.

After replacing just about everything in my steering system, I didn't get rid of the slop until I got my gearbox rebuilt by West Texas Offroad. They rebuilt it for about $150 and adjust the box for no slop. It was my original box which was leaking and worn.

Nocal - Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look into West Texas Offroad.

 

[NocalFJ60]

Nocal - Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look into West Texas Offroad.

http://westtexasoffroad.homestead.com/

 

[lehiguy]

Pick the low hanging fruit first

Get he obvious stuff first. Do both drag link ends and tighten the steering box. Don't use too much torque on the steering box or it will give you steering "Cruise Control" and you will loose the return to center and overall feel. There must be a torque rating for that but I sure don't know what it is. Use about as much twist as you would to turn off your outside water tap. Check you tie rod ends although experience has proven them to be virtually indestructable unless you have huge tires, lockers or have torn the boots.

 

[Ducks]

... tighten the steering box. Don't use too much torque on the steering box or it will give you steering "Cruise Control" and you will loose the return to center and overall feel. There must be a torque rating for that but I sure don't know what it is. Use about as much twist as you would to turn off your outside water tap....

I'm not sure I'm following you. Are you referring to step 3 on this page of the FSM?

 

[Micah]

Get he obvious stuff first. Do both drag link ends and tighten the steering box. Don't use too much torque on the steering box or it will give you steering "Cruise Control" and you will loose the return to center and overall feel. There must be a torque rating for that but I sure don't know what it is. Use about as much twist as you would to turn off your outside water tap. Check you tie rod ends although experience has proven them to be virtually indestructable unless you have huge tires, lockers or have torn the boots.

Yes step three is what he is talking about. I tightened mine down to much the first time i did it and it did make it not return to center so I had to back off.

But it did help a bunch on the play.

 

[PhilC64]

Thanks for the info Ducks! You rock