Adjusting the steering box?

[BobRitts]

On other cars I've tightened up the steering with the allen screw/locknut atop the steering box with the following procedure:

1) Car off with axle supported, front tires off the ground but at nominal ride-height angles (so PS is off and wheels have no resistance)

2) loosen locknut and tighten allen screw while turning steering shaft back and forth so you can feel when the slack goes out. Care required here as overtightening can ruin the box. PS is off so the assist doesn't mask the friction point you're trying to get just shy of. Dot of white paint helps see how much turning you've done in case you have to undo it.

3) Lock down the locknut and test drive. Wheel should come back to center with little or no effort, if not, need to loosen screw a bit and retest.

Does this work on our boxes? Did a search but didn't find much info besides one guy who did this and broke his box! Anyone do this successfully on our trucks before I turn my truck into a guinea pig?

Thanks!!!

[qksilver]

It can be done the same but generally the boxes need to be either rebuilt or replaced........

[396muncie]

I tried it the way you listed, but I overtightened it and broke the insides of the box in a middle of a turn. Not fun with a 67 manual steering 4wd. Took me quite awhile til I found another box.

[BobRitts]

Originally Posted by 396muncie

I tried it the way you listed, but I overtightened it and broke the insides of the box in a middle of a turn. Not fun with a 67 manual steering 4wd. Took me quite awhile til I found another box.

Oh good - I feel much better about trying it now...

Did your steering go out 100% when that happened?

[53burb]

I've done mine when I first bought it. But, like you, I was told to be careful doing it. Luckily nothing broke. I hope it doesn't break before I replace it...This was/is on a '69 Burb 2WD & PS

[396muncie]

Originally Posted by BobRitts

Oh good - I feel much better about trying it now...

Did your steering go out 100% when that happened?

Well, I forgot to mention I did it in the dark I tried it around my neighborhood and it felt better than before so I called it good enough. Yes, it did quit all at once. I'm pretty sure the worm gear stripped. I was in the middle of a turn and I felt this POP and then the steering wheel just started turning freely. I'd do it a little at a time instead of all at once in the dark like me. Good luck.