I can grab the stearing linkages and have about 1/8 turn in the gearbox. I've read about adjusting the stearing, but can the gear box itself be adjusted?

I've been told stearing slop is "just the way it is." I've had trucks with rack and pinion stearing, so this is new to me.

All I want to do is eliminate play in the wheel. 1/8 turn in the box is exagerated at the wheel. Any ideas without changing out the gear box?

Thanks.

 

hi
you need to adjust the box !

 

You have two adjustments, bearing preload and side. On the side, loosen the retaining nut and turn the adjuster 1/8 to 1/4 turn, tighten the nut, check. To adjust bearing preload, disconnect steering shaft, remove retaining nut, tighten the tensioner ring till tight, back it off 1/2" and secure the retaining nut. You may need one or the other, or both.
-P

 

OK...I'll take a look at it and see if I can figure it out. Thanks for the information!

 

I tried to adjust my box today. Which way do you turn the berring preload piece. The link on how to adjust says counter clockwise but that seems to loosen the plate. Any one experienced in this?

 

Peeled off all the grit after degreasing gear box. I was able to find the lock nut and allen everyone spoke of. If you are laying on the ground--under the truck--with your feet sticking out the front, left handed, and contorted...ha...turning the allen clockwise tightens. I was able to get all the slop out.

Question: what happens if you get it too tight, and how do you know it's too tight?

 

Tighten the preload spacer clockwise until tight (FSM calls for "tight"), then release counterclockwise by 10 mm along the rim of the spacer. This allows for the clearance for proper lubrication and preload.
On the pitman arm adjusting: the FSM calls for a fairly complicated procedure, measuring preload center position torque and comparing it to a wider range torque. It also says to adjust the bolt *after* adjusting the prealod, and do it by loosening the bolt completely, then turning it in one full turn, testing and tensioning again if necessary.
-P