steering box

philippe · Post by **philippe** » Tue Nov 18, 2008 5:22 pm

i have some loose in the stering weel(right to left)i think it's the stering box.does it have someting to do to corect that or i have to change it and if so,does someting stronger can i put to fix it.THANKS

Post by **HenryJ** » Tue Nov 18, 2008 5:52 pm

Check ball joints, tire rod ends , pitman arm and the idler first.

F9K9 · Post by **F9K9** » Tue Nov 18, 2008 8:01 pm

HenryJ wrote:Check ball joints, tire rod ends , pitman arm and the idler first.

Then maybe the frame mounting location. Some rigs are a little weak in that area when stressing the steering.

Horsehammerr · Post by **Horsehammerr** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 2:00 am

Tire pressure, wheel bearings, shocks, steering colume?

killian96ss · Post by **killian96ss** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 11:15 am

If all of the above parts check out ok then you might try adjusting the steering box sector shaft.

This is the small nut with an allen head screw inside on the top of the box.

With the steering wheel pointed straight (wheels pointed straight ahead) put a wrench on the nut and an allen wrench on the small screw.

When you loosen the nut the allen screw inside will also want to turn which is fine, but make sure you note the position first.

After the nut has been loosened a little bit you will be able to tighen the allen screw.

It is best to tighten the allen screw only 1/4 turn at a time so that you don't bind up the box.

After tightening the allen screw 1/4 turn, then tighten the nut while holding the allen wrench in place so that the allen screw doesn't get tightened any more.

Road test the vehicle and make more adjustments if needed.

If you tighten the allen screw too much your steering wheel will not return to center so you must back off the screw until the steering returns to normal.

With some trial and error I'm sure you will find a spot where the steering feels better!

Steve

crew cab sonoma · Post by **crew cab sonoma** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 6:17 pm

also check the condition of the "rag joint" on front
end of the steering shaft, where it connects to
the steering box.

philippe · Post by **philippe** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 8:13 pm

cool!thanks to the tech. info for tighten the stering box.i know that my ball join,idler arm and pitman arm are good,i will try to tight the stering box and give a look to the stering colum but how join we have on that colum? THANKS

roadrunner · Post by **roadrunner** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 4:56 pm

A word of caution on adjusting the steering box. LESS is better. If you over tighten it your steering will tend to bind up when centered and result in a sticky feel and act like over-steer when moved off center in either direction.