Help Needed Steering Box Jamb Nut

[JRJ04]

are you talking you can't loosen the jamb nut on the adjusting screw

No
or no matter which way you turn the adjustment screw the box is still too tight over center?

Yes. I counted how much i can turn the adjustment screw either direction before it stops and it was 1.5 turns. No matter which way I turn it, it is still too tight in center. I went around a curve at 80mph this morning and turned the wheel...and it held there...

 

[iracemine]

I dont think its the box. I think something went at the same time you were tightening up the box. It sounds like you did the "tightening" procedure correct, so I would take it back to your bearing buddy who installed a tie rod.

did you take it in for a alignment yet?

 

[Dogman]

It sound like the box is toast. I have rebuilt them before and most of the time the little bearings in the unit that make it turn, just grind down till they bind upon each other. Theres no fix but replacement.

 

[JRJ04]

yea i had it aligned.

I'm gonna give red head steering gears a call and see what they have to say. If the box is toast...did I do it by making this adjustment, or just reveal a ticking time bomb?

 

[NevrKnow]

I hate that for ya JR. I wish ya the best man.

 

[JRJ04]

yep, went and bought a new steering box today...decided to go with the one from o'rileys...couldnt justify the cost of the redhead.

hopefully will be installed tomorrow.

I just wish i knew if I really screwed it up or if it was on its way out.

 

[drmjf]

Adjusting the steering box.

Try this method.
1 Jack up the front end until the wheels are just off the ground.
2 start the engine and move the steering wheel from lock to lock.
3 try to loosen the adjusting stud while moving the wheel back and forth.
4 hopefully this will allow the adjuster to free up.
5 if this work then back off the adjusting stud until when turning the wheel you do not feel any resistance going over the center point.
6 start turning the adjusting stud while turning the wheel over center.
7 stop when you feel any resistance.
8 lock the jamb nut and road test.
9 if still loose repeat steps 6-8.
you should get very close to no play, without being to tight.

Hope this helps, Mike

 

[JLDickmon]

yep, went and bought a new steering box today...decided to go with the one from o'rileys...couldnt justify the cost of the redhead.

hopefully will be installed tomorrow.

I just wish i knew if I really screwed it up or if it was on its way out.

honestly, it almost sounded to me like there is a problem with the jackscrew on the pitman gear/shaft...

hard to tell w/o pulling the pitman cover off the box and looking..

 

[JRJ04]

yea i have to take the core back, so i might pull it apart once its off the truck just to have a look at it.

who knows...i just know I think i'm done jacking around with stuff for a while.

 

[JLDickmon]

.i just know I think i'm done jacking around with stuff for a while.

that statement ranks right up there with
"Hold my beer 'n watch this!"