Steering Box Adjustment

[92Cruiser]

So I took the 95 in last night for an alignment at the stealer and the service writer just called to tell me that the steering box had more play in it that Toyota recommends but that it's not that bad. He went on to say that you can't adjust the free play on a Landcruiser just replace the box. What? Isnt that why there's that set screw and nut on the top of the steering box or am I smoking something?

 

[cruiserman]

He's doing the smoking. Yes, use the set screw.

 

[Darwood]

and be careful not to overtighten it.

 

[kirk]

When you adjust it would be best to have thesteering gear out of the truck to get it right. I set mine when I rebuilt the steering box. My 80 has 166k. There are 3 big teeth on the shaft that turns the steering arm. These teeth wear more in the center than the ends. IF you adjust the play out with the wheel in mid (straight ahead) position it will bind up when it is turned max right or left. There is a fine line of adjusting the top set screw to tight, i'm talking in the 1/4 turn range. If you have the box out you can put it in a vise and crank the input shaft by hand to get the best feel over the entire range.