Over/underadjusted steering box?
#1
11-05-2020, 01:21 PM
Over/underadjusted steering box?
Firstly, I apologize for posting so much, and I thank you all for all your help, and feedback! I’m a DIY’er because I don’t trust mechanics at all, I attempted to adjust my steering box, and due to my terrible sense of direction I first un-tightened the nut then the adjustment screw. I noticed that the adjustment screw does not “unscrew” all the way. Like, you can’t take it out. No, I wasn’t trying to, again loss sense of direction. I know it’s “lefty loosy, righty tighty” but the position of the bolts/nuts vary. I noticed the steering wheel feels okay, but it was leaking from the screw. Why is that? Thank you!
#3
11-05-2020, 01:45 PM
If it wasn’t meant to be adjusted, it wouldn’t be there, there wouldn’t be forums on it, and most importantly, the adjustment instructions wouldn’t be in the factory service manual, which they are. Secondly, most people say that steering boxes are not guaranteed. You may end up with much worse. If it was a certainty, I most definitely would opt out to replacement.
#4
11-05-2020, 01:58 PM
There are actually two adjustments for the steering box, and it is *easiest* done off the truck. As you stated, the procedures are in the service manual..... That said, the adjustment can make up for some slop, but, if the box is really worn, there is nothing else you can do, besides replacing it. You are correct in that getting a reman unit from the local parts store is a real crap shoot. The *new* box might be worse than the one you are replacing. If you REALLY want your steering to be tight, and accurate, best solution is to replace the box with a QUALITY reman unit. Redhead, or Borgeson are good, There is also Blue Top.... the latter is relatively new on the scene, and I have not see any reviews on them yet. Borgeson requires modifying the box, or replacing the intermediate shaft to get it to work. They ain't cheap, but, they ARE good. 
Of course, the rest of your steering gear needs to be in good shape too.
Of course, the rest of your steering gear needs to be in good shape too.
#5
11-05-2020, 02:18 PM
There are actually two adjustments for the steering box, and it is *easiest* done off the truck. As you stated, the procedures are in the service manual..... That said, the adjustment can make up for some slop, but, if the box is really worn, there is nothing else you can do, besides replacing it. You are correct in that getting a reman unit from the local parts store is a real crap shoot. The *new* box might be worse than the one you are replacing. If you REALLY want your steering to be tight, and accurate, best solution is to replace the box with a QUALITY reman unit. Redhead, or Borgeson are good, There is also Blue Top.... the latter is relatively new on the scene, and I have not see any reviews on them yet. Borgeson requires modifying the box, or replacing the intermediate shaft to get it to work. They ain't cheap, but, they ARE good. Of course, the rest of your steering gear needs to be in good shape too.
Of course, the rest of your steering gear needs to be in good shape too. 
#6
11-05-2020, 02:23 PM
There are actually two adjustments for the steering box, and it is *easiest* done off the truck. As you stated, the procedures are in the service manual..... That said, the adjustment can make up for some slop, but, if the box is really worn, there is nothing else you can do, besides replacing it. You are correct in that getting a reman unit from the local parts store is a real crap shoot. The *new* box might be worse than the one you are replacing. If you REALLY want your steering to be tight, and accurate, best solution is to replace the box with a QUALITY reman unit. Redhead, or Borgeson are good, There is also Blue Top.... the latter is relatively new on the scene, and I have not see any reviews on them yet. Borgeson requires modifying the box, or replacing the intermediate shaft to get it to work. They ain't cheap, but, they ARE good. Of course, the rest of your steering gear needs to be in good shape too.
Of course, the rest of your steering gear needs to be in good shape too.
#7
11-05-2020, 09:20 PM
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#8
11-05-2020, 09:36 PM
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#9
11-05-2020, 11:45 PM
If it wasn’t meant to be adjusted, it wouldn’t be there, there wouldn’t be forums on it, and most importantly, the adjustment instructions wouldn’t be in the factory service manual, which they are. Secondly, most people say that steering boxes are not guaranteed. You may end up with much worse. If it was a certainty, I most definitely would opt out to replacement.
#10
11-06-2020, 01:01 AM
Geez Louise, change your diaper. Back before you even dreamed of owning one of these trucks, there were threads on steering gears everyday, and the actual consensus was/is, including from reputable rebuilders, is that the adjustment is not to take slop out of the box. It is to set the preload at the rebuild stage or manufacturing stage. It should never be done after the box has worn out. In fact, Redhead puts a lock on it and WILL NOT ALLOW RETURNS if the end user removes the lock to adjust it. Get off my back if you didn't want advice.