Sloppy Steering

[rpatowers]

This may be a stupid question, but here I go ...

I have a '72 Chevy 4 x 4 with a rebuilt steering box. As I remember, I bought the rebuilt box about 20 years ago. My steering is getting a little sloppy now. I've been told that there is an external adjustment on the steering box that, when adjusted correctly, will take the slop out of my steering.

Can anyone tell me if there is such an adjustment and how to do it?:

I'm also thinking about replacing all of the tie rod ends, ect. Will this tighten things up or should the fanthom steering box adjustment do it?

Thanks!

[Stocker]

Have someone get in the truck while you are under it. While they work the steering wheel back and forth, watch all the front end components. You'll probably be able to see where the slop is coming from.

If you suspect bad tie rod ends, maybe replace them first and you may not need to fiddle with the steering box.

There is an adjustment nut, but it is generally thought to be a short-term band-aid fix for a worn-out box. IIRC, look on top of the box for a large slotted-head screw held in place by a locking nut. Try to hold the screw in its existing position while you loosen the nut. Tighten the screw very slightly, then tighten the nut. If the steering starts to stick, drag, or have friction, you have gone too far and will need to back off a bit. Be very careful on your test drive, because if you get it too tight, the steering will drag and won't want to return to center by itself. A little trial and error will get it right. Good luck!

[rpatowers]

Thanks! I'll check this stuff out. You've been very helpful!

[roger0080]

I recently rebuilt my 71 K20 front end.

New tie rods, new ball joints, rebuild power steering box.

Guess what? Yup, still sloppy steering just as bad as before all the rebuild.

I don't get it. I figure that the rebuild NAPA gear box -- is not all that "rebuilt".

If I where to do it again I'ld hunt down a NEW gearbox.

[billtoothaker]

I had about a 6 in "slop" in my steering, I replaced the gearbox and now it is great

[Blue Beard]

Try gmpartsdirect.com or partszoneonline.com for new parts. Give them a call, not everything shows on the website.

[redz 1970 K5]

Guys, guys, same problem, here was my fix, and it had dramatic results. Stocker was on the right track, but you have to be very careful when adjusting the steering box to ensure you are doing it right.

My steering was sloppy and it was tracking the highway and was quite fatiguing. Until...

I did a lot of research on adjusting the steering box. After concensus from multiple sources, I tried the adjustment.

Jack the front axle off of the ground so the truck steers freely. Turn the wheel all the way clockwise to lock. Mark the steering wheel and steering column as a starting point- anywhere is fine, just so long as the wheel is at lock. Then slowly turn the wheel counterclockwise and CAREFULLY count the revolutions from lock to lock. I think my 71 K5 was 3.75 revolutions lock to lock. You then divide the lock to lock revolutions by 1/2. In this case, the center of wheel travel is 1.875 turns from LH or RH lock. Turn the wheel back 1.875 turns to center the steering box.

Then, slightly loosen the outer holding nut on the gearbox while holding the allen head. Tighten the allen head slightly until it snugs up slightly. Hold the allen head and retighten the outer holding nut.

What it is, the main gear in the box is an arc. The adjustment must be made at the top of the arc OR if you do not adjust at the top of the arc it overadjusts and the mesh will be too tight and actually lock when you are steering. Not sure if it makes sense or not, I can see it in my mind!

[redz 1970 K5]

Oh, and my steering feels amazing now... Changed the whole driving dimension and made it safer and more enjoyable.

[dubie]

I currently have about 4" of play in the column on the 72. When you are sitting still, you can float the wheel back and forth 4". I am swapping out the gear box and installing the pump for power steering this spring, so I hope it eliminates the slop

[chevybill]

Summit can get new steering boxes for a little over $300 dollars, this was for a manual steering truck.

[grayw0lf]

DOn't forget to check your wheel bearings. A good portion of my slop was from well worn & really needing adjusting wheel bearings.

[rpatowers]

This is all good stuff. Thanks, all, for the information.

[Brainchild]

Idler arm,and pitman arms are things that don't get much attention when frontend work is done.Make sure to check those out as well.