Adjust Steering Gear

[CADASH]

I got a good amount of play in my steering system. It feels the worst turning to the right. Like there is a bad spot then it catches. Pitman arm link and the link that attatches to that one has been replaced. Those 2 links had some play so I replaced them. Steering dampner has been replaced also. So that leaves the steering gear. All other links are good. Can the steering gear be adjusted to remove some of the play or is a new gear needed? If so how do I do it? Thank you.

[duchevy25]

im having this same problem also im curious to see what the response you get is

[harperc]

Yes you can adjust it. Look on the top side of the box should see a allen head bolt with lock nut on it. break the nut loose while holding the allen bolt with a allen wrench. Tighten it till it stops then back off 1/4 turn. Do not over tighten the bolt! Go for a drive and see how it fells. If you feel a hard spot/bind just back off alittle more on the bolt. Make sure you get the lock nut tight while holding the allen wrench. This will help with the play. May still need a steering box at some point but this will help. Did mine about 1,000 miles ago and still feel good. Hope this help, let us know.

[elibenson]

Originally Posted by harperc

Yes you can adjust it. Look on the top side of the box should see a allen head bolt with lock nut on it. break the nut loose while holding the allen bolt with a allen wrench. Tighten it till it stops then back off 1/4 turn. Do not over tighten the bolt! Go for a drive and see how it fells. If you feel a hard spot/bind just back off alittle more on the bolt. Make sure you get the lock nut tight while holding the allen wrench. This will help with the play. May still need a steering box at some point but this will help. Did mine about 1,000 miles ago and still feel good. Hope this help, let us know.

^^^ what he said. I would suggest putting the truck up on jack stands before you do this, and test the adjustments with the engine OFF. That way you can see if the steering gear is binding without the power steering over-powering any binding that might be taking place. When you make the adjustment, just tighten the adjuster a little more than finger tight. If not, you will cause the thing to grenade pretty quick. You don't want the gears knashing against each other.

Keep in mind that this is a band-aid solution. It will not last for ever, and will probably cause it to wear out even faster. Basically, the "center" of your steering will be adjusted better, but the "outer" edges of your steering will bind up and wear out the gear. You'll get a couple thousand miles out of it if you're lucky..

[CADASH]

Thanks guys!!! Sounds like a plan. I know its just a band aid solution but Im just hoping it lasts a few weeks, at least 4 (2 pay days) till I can get a new box. I knew it was inevitable, just hope it lasts during that time frame to save up some cash!!!! I will report back with my results.