steering gear adjustment
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shortbedCUSTOM
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steering gear adjustment
Is the power steering gear adjustable in my '68 Ranger? Reason I ask is because it has about 5" of play in it. Or should I just bite the bullet and replace it?
-carlos
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bumpandsweptline
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Re: steering gear adjustment
I'm not sure on power steering but on manual steering there's a nut with a slot ed screw in middle it's located on top of gear box you break the nut loose 11/16 I believe and tighten the screw down then re tight the nut
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68RGR
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Re: steering gear adjustment
Before you make any adjustments to the steering box, it would be a good idea to make sure the rest of the steering gear is in good shape. My truck had LOOSE steering when I got it. And, I mean so loose that you couldn't relax when driving - You were constantly chasing the steering. Driving in a straight line was next to impossible.
After replacing the worn center-link and tie rods, my steering issue was 95% cured.
If you haven't already done so, have someone move the wheel back and forth and look for the source of the play. It could be elsewhere. I'm not sure how much play can be removed by adjusting the steering box but I'd be pleasantly surprised if doing so would remove that much play in the steering wheel. Maybe it will, I just don't know. Let us know when/if you try it.
After replacing the worn center-link and tie rods, my steering issue was 95% cured.
If you haven't already done so, have someone move the wheel back and forth and look for the source of the play. It could be elsewhere. I'm not sure how much play can be removed by adjusting the steering box but I'd be pleasantly surprised if doing so would remove that much play in the steering wheel. Maybe it will, I just don't know. Let us know when/if you try it.
Bill
68 F100 Ranger
73 F100 Ranger XLT
Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in garages. (Apologies to Kenneth Grahame.)
68 F100 Ranger
73 F100 Ranger XLT
Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in garages. (Apologies to Kenneth Grahame.)
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Mancar1
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Re: steering gear adjustment
You probably need a new, or rebuilt box. That is a lot of play, but adjust and let us know. As has been mention you may want to check all steering components.
May your sails stay full, and your knots not slip. Unless a slip knot.
Once I thought I was wrong, but I was wrong.
Life is a banquet, and every days a feast.
68 F-250 CS 390 C-6 P/S A/C front disc. 2nd owner.
2016 GMC Terrain Denali 301 HP V-6 AWD.
2009 Silverado Crew Cab, V-8, 4X4.
DD-727
DD-806
AE-35
LSD-39
AS-41
AR-8
Once I thought I was wrong, but I was wrong.
Life is a banquet, and every days a feast.
68 F-250 CS 390 C-6 P/S A/C front disc. 2nd owner.
2016 GMC Terrain Denali 301 HP V-6 AWD.
2009 Silverado Crew Cab, V-8, 4X4.
DD-727
DD-806
AE-35
LSD-39
AS-41
AR-8
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shortbedCUSTOM
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- Location: Texas, Dallas
Re: steering gear adjustment
Sorry for my inactivity on this topic but I've just been pressed for time with a no start situation on this truck. I need to concentrate on getting this issue resolved first before I can tackle the steering. Thanks for your responses. I will be looking into everything advised.
-carlos
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shortbedCUSTOM
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- Joined: Sat Feb 26, 2005 9:58 pm
- Location: Texas, Dallas
Re: steering gear adjustment
Sorry for my inactivity on this topic but I've just been pressed for time with a no start situation on this truck. I need to concentrate on getting this issue resolved first before I can tackle the steering. Thanks for your responses. I will be looking into everything advised.
-carlos
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tqwrench
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- Location: Ypsilanti, MI
Re: steering gear adjustment
In addition to the previous recommendations, be aware that every single steering gear I've ever installed was set WAY too tight from the manufacturer. I honestly don't know how or why this happens but it does. They all had a tendency to stick on center causing horrendous wander (constantly having to correct). I had to take a full 1/2 turn out of a sector shaft adjustment on a 70 Cadillac once.
Personally, if my gear ever fails, I'm planning to rebuild it myself, even if it takes me 2 years to track down all the parts (I can always install a used one in the interim). My faith in reman assemblies has slid steadily over the years. About the only one I trust anymore is the OEM. They insist on correct procedures and they're typically remanufactured domestically.
Personally, if my gear ever fails, I'm planning to rebuild it myself, even if it takes me 2 years to track down all the parts (I can always install a used one in the interim). My faith in reman assemblies has slid steadily over the years. About the only one I trust anymore is the OEM. They insist on correct procedures and they're typically remanufactured domestically.
1969 F-250 390 Camper Special
Candy Apple Red/Wimbledon White
Candy Apple Red/Wimbledon White