steering slop

[cojnit]

Can someone out there tell me if there is a way to reduce/remove the amount of slop in the steering wheel? It travels awful far before it actually engages to turn. I would say almost a 1/4 turn before the changing of direction begins.

[racedvl]

There is a screw with a lock nut around it on the top of your steering gear box. Loosen the lock nut and SLOWLY adjust it inward. Do not try to take all of it out!!!!! If you over tighen the adjusting screw, you can damage your steering gear box!! Leave a little play. Then hold your set screw in place, and tighten the adjusting nut.

[*MJF*]

I would first check out your rag joint, ball joints, tie rod ends, drag link ends, & stuff like that before attempting that adjustment. Have someone turn the steering wheel while you watch all of the above for excessive movement.

[JimKshortstep4x4]

Be sure to check the linkage over carefully when you adjust the steering box. 1/4 turn sounds more than steering box. Pay particular attention to the upper pitman arm bushing as they can be bad, but hard to detect. Check box mounting bolts, also.

When adjusting the steering box, keep the wheels straight. If you adjust with the wheels turned, it will be tight when the steering is centered.

Jim

[jhwkns]

I'm assuming this is a manual box..... Are there any signs of the grease leaking out of it.....
Jack your front end up off of the ground when you make this adjustment. If you feel it bind at center you've gone too far, and that can be bad.