This may only apply to 2wd trucks, but may be useful on 4x4s as well. This is to eliminate steering wander, play, or sponginess. This became apparent on my truck after getting new tires, and I replaced the steering coupler with an oem replacement, looking to solve the problem. It led to only minor improvement, so this was my next step. Steps 7 and 9 would be helpful to have two people, though it is not necessary.

Tools required: 5/8 wrench or crescent wrench, jack, jackstands, 3/16 allen key

1. Jack up the front of your truck, and support it on jackstands for safety

2. Turn your wheels so they are perfectly straight. It should be slightly less than 2 turns from lock in either direction.

3. Turn the ignition to on to unlock the wheels. Do not start the truck.

4. Locate the steering box, both from above and from the wheel well. It is on the front part of your driver's side frame rail.

5. Locate the 5/8 locknut, and 3/16 allen screw on the top of the steering box.

6. Loosen the locknut.

7. While holding the locknut, turn the allen screw clockwise. (Some say to turn it only 1/4 turn at a time. Others say to tighten it fully, and then back off 1/2 turn. I tightened mine fully, then backed off)

8. Check the steering wheel. It should not feel significantly firmer than before when turning, but should not have nearly as much or any free play, and should feel firm instead of sloppy when wiggling it to and fro. If you reach in the window, you should be able to grab the steering wheel and the tire at the same time. If it is still sloppy, tighten the screw more. If it binds, grinds, or is hard to turn, back off the screw.

9. While holding the screw in places, tighten the locknut again.

10. Lower your truck, and take a careful drive.

Again, this should eliminate the slop in your steering wheel by moving the worm gear closer to the output gear to compensate for wear. This made a drastic improvement for me. Results may vary. As always, make sure your steering coupler is not worn out, or you may not see any benefits from this adjustment.

 

Nice write up.. thanks!

 

Definitly think im going to try this

 

Be very carefull not to over adjust. Im more a fan of the gradual adjustment method. Small adjustments lessen the likelyhood of going too far with it IMO. Good right up.

 

As an update, I did over-adjust. I noticed that my steering wheel wasn't returning to center easily. I had to push it to center, which lead to just as much wandering, since the truck wasn't following the road. I backed it off a quarter turn or so, and it seems better. It returns to center easily, and still has a little slop, but much less than before. It's now a non-issue.

 

thank you many ideal but no good ones until this one very helpful