Steering box keeps loosening up

[psoucy]

I have a1970 K10 with new steering gear box, rag joint, column and the steering gear box keeps loosening up. I’ve torqued 3 times, same result. Last time I used red locktite. Anybody had this issue, if you have how did you correct. Been driving it to work, about 45 miles each way and by the time I get home I’m all over the road. I have 18”x35” tires with 2” of lift so I know that’s a contributing factor but I need to correct to be able to drive. Frames not cracked or anything like that.

[Orange Crate]

I have trouble shot suspension noises by taping my phone to a really strong Snap-On magnetic flashlight, then drive around recording. Your box is moving but you just need to know when.

[psoucy]

I can see it moving when I’m out of the truck with it running, I just have to grab the shaft and turn it. It’s just normal use, I’m going to try and clean out the threads, put new bolts and apply loctite again. If that doesn’t work I’ll tack weld the head of the bolts. Not sure what else to do unless someone has any ideas.

[Orange Crate]

Originally Posted by psoucy

I can see it moving when I’m out of the truck with it running, I just have to grab the shaft and turn it. It’s just normal use, I’m going to try and clean out the threads, put new bolts and apply loctite again. If that doesn’t work I’ll tack weld the head of the bolts. Not sure what else to do unless someone has any ideas.

Wow, that is serious, even with a new box too. Is the box "new" or rebuilt, maybe the threads are worn out if it is rebuilt. Good idea to get new hardware.

[geezer#99]

You could do like airplane mechanics.
Safety wire them.


https://nci.edu/2022/04/04/everythin...f%20the%20wire.

[PbFut]

I'll offer a couple simple ideas. One, I assume you are using a lock jam nut. Maybe replace the nut with a nylaloc nut? Green Loctite is a really interesting product. Holds well but not like red. Close to blue but less. But...it is penetrating and allows for a really good set. I used on 4 trailing arm bolts on the race car that would not stay put. It was a real E ticket ride when the outside toe setting would let go mid corner.

[Wikid61]

High dollar grade 8 hardware too.

[57taskforce]

Rebuilt steering box or real true brand new?

[psoucy]

Box is Brand new, hardware was new grade 8. Steering box has female threads so nylocks are out unless I use a piece of rod, nyloc then lock wire. I could get a longer fully threaded grade 8 bolt and cut the head off at the right length, I’m not sure you can easily get grade 8 allthread. Not even sure there’s such a thing. I guess I could get a bolt long enough to allow the threads to stick out enough to put a lock nut and lock washer.

[Getter-Done]

There is high Strength all thread available.

Link: https://www.mcmaster.com/products/hi...threaded-rods/

[72c20customcamper]

Sounds like there is movement of the box in relation to the frame . Seen holes get radiused out and movement causes the bolt to back out . I had a Studebaker that did this solution was to drill the frame out and sleeve it . I tack welded the sleeve to the frame

[Richard]

I have used this brace on both of my 72's. Both of my trucks also have/had the factory frame reinforcement. https://www.offroaddesign.com/bolt-i...wd-trucks.html

[Dashman]

Do you have a good steering stabilizer? ...that's not moving on its brackets?

[HO455]

How did you check the frame for cracks?

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by Richard

I have used this brace on both of my 72's. Both of my trucks also have/had the factory frame reinforcement. https://www.offroaddesign.com/bolt-i...wd-trucks.html

Yep both of mine have that too, and neither had the factory brace. Both of mine have the weld on reinforcement/repair plate too.

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by psoucy

Box is Brand new, hardware was new grade 8. Steering box has female threads so nylocks are out unless I use a piece of rod, nyloc then lock wire. I could get a longer fully threaded grade 8 bolt and cut the head off at the right length, I’m not sure you can easily get grade 8 allthread. Not even sure there’s such a thing. I guess I could get a bolt long enough to allow the threads to stick out enough to put a lock nut and lock washer.

That’s how I did my K20, longer bolts and nylocks on the back side of the box for good measure.

[AussieinNC]

Sounds like the steering box mounting points are flexing when steering loads are placed on the chassis.

I have cured this issue by drilling out the mounting holes both sides of the chassis and installing solid tube stock and welding in to strengthen entire mounting face. I box in the frame to add strength.

The mounting bolts then compress against the tubes, taking chassis distortion out of the equation.

Make absolutely sure the chassis is not cracked from the flexing...if it is, weld it up and place reinforcing plated across the area and fully weld.