Steering box rebuild...

[Kimbrough]

I'm bored so I thought I'd just tear into my steering box and freshen 'er up since it was leakinmg so bad, you know?
HAHAHAHAHA!!! :eek:
WHAT WAS I THINKING!?!?!?!
Anyways, I have it pretty much back together and was wondering how to screw down the lock nut on the top if the box. I forget what its for but I know it tightens up your steering by bringing the pitman gear and worm gear into closer mesh. Am I close?
Thanks guys in advance and I'd like to know how far that allen screw's supposed to be tightened. Any advise appreciated! smile.gif
Oh, wait. Like, DUH! If I hold the Allen screw with an allen wrench while I tighten down the locknut... Now, I just need help figuring out how tight the Allen screw is supposed to be. Thanks!!! :rolleyes:

[ibnfe]

The allen screw is the adjustment for the pinion gear meshing inside the box. There is actually a big adjustment procedure that the FSM specifies to do, but I don't have it handy. It's at the garage... But in an nutshell, while an assistant turns your steering stop to stop, you tighten the allen screw until you have about 1" of side to side play in the steering wheel. Too tight is bad and will cause your pinion teeth to wear really quick, so if there is question, then err to the loose side. After you get the "lash" set, hold the allen screw and tighten the lock nut. I think there is a slightly better writeup on this in the tech section. Sorry so vague, but my memory is failing, and I don't have the book...

[redneckd out]

Kimbrough:

Hey, Man--long time no see! Blake's factory service manual has a big section on the steering box, complete with adjustment and trouble-shooting. Give us a call or e-mail and come on over to look it over. I'll be in Denver Saturday through Tuesday, then to Sou8th Carolina next week. But home next weekend, and ready to get greasy! Holler! CR & Blake