steering box adjustment- What a difference (1 Viewer)

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South Carolina
I know that all of the gurus and old timers know this but I and it is very simple and quick but I thought that I would post up my experience.

I have had the truck for a while now and attributed all of the steering slop to leaking- worn knuckles, bad TREs, REs, bad alignment. Took care of all of that and finally adjusted the steering box. Went one full turn on the screw and man what a difference. It feels like a new truck.

Hope that this helps/encourages someone else and thanks to all!!!

Mods: Please delete duplicate. Blame it on the vodka and the back button. Thanks.
 
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yup. i had about 3" of slop in the wheel, didn't even know to tighten it until recently. what a difference two minutes of work makes!
 
do either of you feel like telling the rest of us HOW to adjust the steering box?! :p
 
sounds very useful
i wonder if its as easy?
please share :D
 
thanks for searching :D
mines in the car.
(its dark and raining outside)
 
Wow I think mind needs some adjusting. I thought the freeplay was two inches, which I think I read in my owners manual. I have way more that 40mm haha
 
do either of you feel like telling the rest of us HOW to adjust the steering box?! :p
on the top of the steering box, there is a nut, 17 or 19mm, with a bolt in the middle that has a slot in it. loosen the nut and turn the "screw" clockwise to tighten. My nut was stuck, so when i finally broke it free, it turned the screw by itself for a bit. i think i ended up turning about one complete turn clockwise. then tighten down the nut. after, turn the wheel to ensure you have an adequate turning radius in the wheel, if it is too small, loosen up the screw.

tada! respectable steering is your bitch now ;-)
 
I also performed this in my driveway...less than 10 minutes and now I have a brand new car. WOW! Very happy with my ride and this forum!!!!
 
If the steering "seems" a bit tight after, as in the steering wheel seems to be a little harder to turn, loosen the screw back off ,a bit at a time, until it feels normal again. If it is too tight you will damage your steering box internals....

But at the same time, this adjuster is there for the purpose of taking out slack from worn parts.
But as Krzy.. stated earlier don't over-tighten.
 
If I have maxed out the adjustment and I'm still very sloppy, is there a way for me to rebuild the box and fix it? Every rebuild kit I see appears to just be seals and o-rings. Not sure how that would fix a very sloppy box that is not leaking.
 
Send it to red head and be fine.https://www.dieselpowerproducts.com/red-head-steering-gear
They do an amazing job. If you have a later 60 1985+ the 80 series box bolts if you want to go that route
 

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