Lots of slop in steering gear?

[grayw0lf]

I've replaced all the tie rods, ball joints, lower control arms, rag joint, etc.

When I'm on the interstate doing 60'ish, I sometimes have trouble just keeping it in the lane for how much it wanders. When I stand beside the truck w/ the hood open & not running, I can turn it a good 30 degrees, if not 40. That's when I grasp it below the rag joint, so that's not in play.

I've tightened it up all I can. Am I correct in thinking I need to save up my pennies & head to the local auto parts store??? Is there anything I'm missing?

[dznucks]

there is an adjustment on the steering box itself. loosen up the jam nut and adjust the screw.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by dznucks

there is an adjustment on the steering box itself. loosen up the jam nut and adjust the screw.

Have you done that? You don't want to over tighten it but usually you can get quite a bit of the slack out with adjustment if the box isn't completely worn out.

Center the wheels and loosen the lock nut and turn the adjustment screw in until it just stops but don't tighten it beyond that and hold it while you screw the lock nut down and then drive it and see what you have.

[Stocker]

I've done it.... bought some time before the box had to replaced. I small adjustment goes a long way. Be aware when you test drive it, if you got it a lil too tight, your steering won't return to center unless you help it. A bit of trial & error and you'll get it right. Just be careful, and don't let someone else drive it until you know it's good.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

A small amount of play can be adjusted but if it's like you say it needs a rebuild. They are not that hard to do. Nothing makes these old trucks drive better then a proper steering gear.

[Mondo]

I've gone through a few. Don't buy a rebuilt from NAPA or the like... go for a variable ratio box (power steering). Here's the place I recommend getting one from:

http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/

[truckster]

I saved some money last year by buying one from Checker. My original gearbox was still pretty tight, but it leaked and the state inspector said it had to be replaced. I was going to rebuild it, but I got lazy. Anyway... to make a long story a little shorter, I would never go with the Checker rebuild. It's WAY sloppier than the original was. I think they just replaced the seals and painted it.

[100gold]

I was talking to wes the other day at Classic heartbeat, and he mentioned a steering gear box that he offers. Instead of a 4.5 turn lock stop to stop, his is a 3.? stop to stop. If I was in the market for a new one, I'd sure take a look at that upgrade.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

I took it as being a manual gear. Ive never seen that much play in a power strg. gear. Are you sure some of it is not in the pitman arm?

[grayw0lf]

It is a power steering gear box. I think I replaced the pitman arm, but I'll definately check it again.

I tightened the adjusting screw down pretty tight the other day. I'll have to take it for a drive tonight & see if there's any difference on the road.

I may just plan on a rebuild.

[Mondo]

I'd stay away from the quick ratio.... mine felt pretty twitchy at freeway speeds so switched to a variable. The variable ratio increases the more you turn the wheel.
I think Classic Heartbeat sells the redhead units.