Play in steering box???

[Big Blue J-10]

How do take the play out of the steering??
I have been told that all you have to do is tighten a bolt,but which one and where?
It is not that bad but I would like to fix it if possible.

Adam :confused:

[LRRH]

http://www.ifsja.org/tech/steering/boxadj.shtml

enjoy!!

[kkeithnyc]

Check here http://www.ifsja.org/tech/steering/boxadj.shtml

[Big Blue J-10]

Thanks,guess I should have done a search first huh.

Adam

[tgreese]

An article on the PartsMike site
http://www.partsmikeparts.com/saginaw_steering_box_adjustment.htm
seems to directly contradict the IFSJA tech article. Who's right, or does the PartsMike article not refer to the power steering box? Istn't the Jeep PS box a Saginaw box?

best regards :cool: Tim

[tuckers89GW]

I adjusted mine in the vehicle, just be careful and don't adjust it too much

[curt]

I wouldn't do it. When it get's too loose have a pro rebuild it. Some things you just have to suck up and drop a dime or two to have done. I've never known ANYONE who attempted this without ruining the box. Everytime they tightened it it just got loose again, only quicker! I think adjusting is only a temp fix. Probably just doing more damage and making your eventual rebuild more expensive.

The guy who wrote the artical on this sight says he adjusts every 18 months? what's up with that? I've never heard such a thing! My box is 33 years old, never adjusted. Yes, it is a little more loose that when it was new, but imagine what shape it would be in if it was "adjusted" every 18 months for the last 33 years! I don't think it would still be with us!

My .02

[tgreese]

Wow, T14a in a J truck... makes sense - Jeep supplied the T14a with the 258 CJs at that time.

Ok, on topic. I'd tend to agree with curt - here's what my '77 FSM says

CAUTION: The following adjustment procedures must be performed exactly as described and in the sequence outlined. Failure to do so can result in damage to the gear internal components and poor steering response. Always adjust wormshaft bearing preload first; then adjust pitman shaft overcenter drag torque last.

The worm gear is adjusted using that big nut on the steering shaft end of the gear. The "pitman shaft overcenter drag torque" is that little allen-head screw on the top of the gear, normally hidden by the radiator. The article on the IFSJA tech page says to adjust the allen-head screw without adjusting the big nut, exactly what the FSM warns against. Adjusting the gear looks pretty easy (according to the FSM) if you have the gear out of the truck and you have an inch-pound torque wrench.

Place your bets and take your chances - I'm going with the FSM version.

best regards :cool: Tim

[ August 06, 2003, 05:48 PM: Message edited by: tgreese ]

[Crazy_Jeepman]

tgreese Is correct. I am really surprised to see that info in the Tech Section. Steering boxes are not to be fooled with. While I am sure tightening the obvious screw on the top of the box may make a differance and feel like it has solved the excessive play issue, it is not the correct way to adjust it, and can be dangerous. Many have done it and gotten away with it, however excessive play can be caused by several things concerning the steering box, to adjust the top screw as a blanket fix is just a poor idea.