box problems right or wrong
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: North East New Mexico
box problems right or wrong
i got a steering box out of a junk yard and its a good one but the pitman shaft has a wider turning radius , what i mean is more turns on the steering wheel shaft. the old box turned 3 1/2 times the new box turns 4 is this ok? a mechanic in town said it wouldnt work with out swaping the pitman shafts. anybody got any ideas or input?
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From: KENTUCKY
The Pitman should have no bearing on how many turns it takes lock-to-lock.
On edit:
Let me re-phrase that statement a little.
Depending on it's spline orientation, a mis-located or mis-shaped Pitman could cause one direction to turn quicker than the other, but the total number of turns required lock-to-lock should not change, unless the ratio of the box itself is faster or slower.
The only way a Pitman can affect things is in it's orientation on the splines and it's physical shape; the various designs are to accomodate different obstructions and axle designs or the lack thereof.
In good condition, the more steering-wheel turns necessary to go lock-to-lock, the better (and safer) it will drive.
Those silly quick-ratio rack-and-pinion deals, that require hardly any wheel movement to go lock-to-lock are part of why graveyards are getting so full.
On edit:
Let me re-phrase that statement a little.
Depending on it's spline orientation, a mis-located or mis-shaped Pitman could cause one direction to turn quicker than the other, but the total number of turns required lock-to-lock should not change, unless the ratio of the box itself is faster or slower.
The only way a Pitman can affect things is in it's orientation on the splines and it's physical shape; the various designs are to accomodate different obstructions and axle designs or the lack thereof.
In good condition, the more steering-wheel turns necessary to go lock-to-lock, the better (and safer) it will drive.
Those silly quick-ratio rack-and-pinion deals, that require hardly any wheel movement to go lock-to-lock are part of why graveyards are getting so full.
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,084
Likes: 235
From: Southern California
The Pitman should have no bearing on how many turns it takes lock-to-lock.
On edit:
Let me re-phrase that statement a little.
Depending on it's spline orientation, a mis-located or mis-shaped Pitman could cause one direction to turn quicker than the other, but the total number of turns required lock-to-lock should not change, unless the ratio of the box itself is faster or slower.
The only way a Pitman can affect things is in it's orientation on the splines and it's physical shape; the various designs are to accomodate different obstructions and axle designs or the lack thereof.
In good condition, the more steering-wheel turns necessary to go lock-to-lock, the better (and safer) it will drive.
Those silly quick-ratio rack-and-pinion deals, that require hardly any wheel movement to go lock-to-lock are part of why graveyards are getting so full.[laugh]
On edit:
Let me re-phrase that statement a little.
Depending on it's spline orientation, a mis-located or mis-shaped Pitman could cause one direction to turn quicker than the other, but the total number of turns required lock-to-lock should not change, unless the ratio of the box itself is faster or slower.
The only way a Pitman can affect things is in it's orientation on the splines and it's physical shape; the various designs are to accomodate different obstructions and axle designs or the lack thereof.
In good condition, the more steering-wheel turns necessary to go lock-to-lock, the better (and safer) it will drive.
Those silly quick-ratio rack-and-pinion deals, that require hardly any wheel movement to go lock-to-lock are part of why graveyards are getting so full.[laugh]
There are boxes down to 12:1 that will lock to lock in 2 1/4 turns.
But on the straightaway they are touchy and you could drive off the freeway with the slightest movement of the wheel, wouldn’t much fun on our big trucks.
Also with a higher ratio (more turns lock to lock) there is a less of a chance of loosing your fingers if you happen to drift onto the soft shoulder or have a blowout and your steering wheel spins.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 119
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From: North East New Mexico
so as long as i find center( 2 turns from stop ) and the pitman arm is mounted correct it will be fine? where do i find the codes so i know what i've got? when my pitman arm is in the middle of the throw should it be at a 90* angle in relation to the box?
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