gear box

[bonnieclyde100]

does any know the procedure on how to adjust gearbox to remove to much play in steering?

[John Fabris]

Copied from El camino site, but pretty much the same for our trucks.
It is assumed that the rest of your steering suspension is tight.
Also, the nut with the allen head stud on top of the steering gearbox is what you are adjusting.


Tools
3/16" allen wrench
5/8" box end wrench
lubricating oil
Procedure
use oil to lubricate threads of locknut and adjustment plug (right on top, can't miss it)
raise the front end of the car so both front wheels are off the ground
put the box end wrench on the locknut
use allen wrench to hold the adjustment plug at the top of the box
holding the allen wrench stationary, loosen the locknut with the box end wrench several turns
turn the adjustment plug clockwise until snug to remove slack, then back it out 90 degrees.
holding the allen wrench stationary, tighten the locknut, remove wrenches
start car, run steering wheel through full rotation, checking for binding
if binding, repeat steps 3-8, backing out adjustment plug slightly more
lower car from jack (stands) drive car, note improvement!

[bonnieclyde100]

thanks a lot i thought that was how it was done but wasnt sure.

[Stocker]

I'll just add this: It's a temporary patch at best. If your steering box is that sloppy, it's worn out and should be replaced soon. But I have done it too, so.....

It probably won't take much to be effective. And it's easy to go too far. If your steering wheel doesn't readily return to center after you've turned it (while driving), then you've gone too far. Loosen it just a tad & try it again.