how to adjust the steering gear

[4x4k30]

what is the proper way to adjust the steering gear ? I have tried to turn it both ways and just cant get it to where it feels rite

[Wgesnerjr]

try this: https://youtu.be/W5Ck4eANgII

Just did this and found an 1/8 of a turn helped a lot. no where near rack and pinion feel, but better with less of a dead spot in the center.

[Keith Seymore]

It's spelled out in the "Unit Repair Manual".

Basically, you are supposed to remove the gear from the vehicle and mount it in a vise.

Using an inch pound torque wrench you rotate the gear at the input shaft and measure throughout the rotation.

The baseline measurement is called the "preload" (or "ends") and is adjusted by the big nut surrounding the input shaft. It should be adjusted to 12 inch pounds.

The measurement taken at the straight ahead location is called "overcenter" and is supposed to be 20 in lbs or so. It is adjusted with the allen screw with the locking nut, located on the cover.

Or - you can just leave it in the vehicle and crank the allen screw like everybody else.

K

[57NAPCO]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

It's spelled out in the "Unit Repair Manual".

Basically, you are supposed to remove the gear from the vehicle and mount it in a vise.

Using an inch pound torque wrench you rotate the gear at the input shaft and measure throughout the rotation.

The baseline measurement is called the "preload" (or "ends") and is adjusted by the big nut surrounding the input shaft. It should be adjusted to 12 inch pounds.

The measurement taken at the straight ahead location is called "overcenter" and is supposed to be 20 in lbs or so. It is adjusted with the allen screw with the locking nut, located on the cover.

Or - you can just leave it in the vehicle and crank the allen screw like everybody else.

K

[4x4k30]

i guess either way i will wind up replaceing this steering gear i found one that was off a 86 m1008 that i had .and i am just gona put it on and hope for the best.

[v30crewcab]

the top nut adjustment is the "last" adjustment made, after tightening the top where the steering shaft hooks up. read the writeup in the manual, and do it right. my trucks drive like new when I'm done adjusting them by the manual.

[4x4k30]

Originally Posted by 4x4k30

what is the proper way to adjust the steering gear ? I have tried to turn it both ways and just cant get it to where it feels rite

see video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl-Z_TrM18c the steering gear pitman arm goes up and down and pops will a adjustment take that out ??

[cadillac_al]

That looks pretty bad. I have never had one anywhere near that loose. I'd be buying a new/rebuilt one

[4x4k30]

Originally Posted by 4x4k30

i guess either way i will wind up replaceing this steering gear i found one that was off a 86 m1008 that i had .and i am just gona put it on and hope for the best.

well I put on the m1008 steering gear it lasted about 2ft when the front seal blew out . I checked every thing when I first put it on let me tell its a real pain in the but to do it by ur self . the steering gear was not leaking at all until I got in today to drive it.