Sector Shaft Adjustment

[jor]

Is there a right way to do the sector shaft adjustment on the 2WD manual steering? I've got the shop manual and a Haynes and both only refer to a bench process in which you adjust that screw while holding an inch torque wrench on the stub shaft. My suspension components and rag joint are good so I figure my sloppy wheel must be caused by the 40 year old steering gear. Thanks.
jor

[Banjo]

not saying you're not on right track, but am saying I couldn't believe how wore out my front end was on my truck, particularly tie rod end/drag link. Food for thought. Plus, there's bushings that wear out and kingpins. Banjo.

[Banjo]

have you unbolted your steering components that look ok and shook them pretty good? drag link/tie rod ends? They are supposed to be tight, I know mine looked ok on my truck but when these peices were removed and I saw how easy I could wiggle them around compared to new parts, it was obvious how worn they were.

[jor]

Yea, I've pushed, pulled and pried with the steering disconnected and all of the usual failure points seem pretty solid. The only one that looked half bad was the rag joint and I replaced it. I'm sure the steering is my major issue in that it has a lot of play before anything down below even gets the message! Thanks.
jor

[Jake11]

Run the screw down and turn the rag joint back and forth. Just get the
play out, no more. Too tight and it will bind up and be a bxxxh to drive.

[jor]

Thanks, Jake. I did that years ago on another 67 I had. Have you or anyone come across any written documentation on this procedure with the exception of the shop manual? Thanks.
jor

[Jake11]

All the books tell you to pull the box and adjust it on the bench. Fun fun
Just cheat and sneak up on it. Get it too tight and back it off a little.

[James72]

Be sure you're at dead center when adjusting it, there's a high spot there. If you turn the screw in until it hits then back a 1/4 turn you'll be real close.