minimizing steering box slack

[miketyler]

I got a rebuilt steering box from Autozone for around $135.

That sounds like what I am looking for. Did you have to give them a core? Being rebuilt I assume there is no slack in the wheel when its centered? I measure 3.5" slack at the steering wheel. It seemed like more when I had the original wheel on prob because it was a larger diameter.

 

[ShelbyDogg]

Yes, they expect a core back. You don't have to give then a challenger box, I gave them an A-body box I had laying around.   Play while not running right? They all seem to have a little play while parked. The only way to tell is to drive it.   If you get one, don't give them your core yet till you try the box and see how it feels. That way if you return it, you won't lose your original.

[miketyler]

Yes, the play is evident while parked but also is still there when running. Driving it with this play while moving in a straight direction makes it a little squirelly as you move the wheel a lot to make minor corrections.

What diamter steering wheel do you have? Can you measure how much play your new box has?     

[ShelbyDogg]

I use a 13.5" Diameter Grant.  I have a little play but that's a Mopar steering box for you.  I can't measure the play because I keep the car in a different garage and only get it out to work on it or drive it. Next time I have it out, I'll check it. 

Rob

[miketyler]

I reread this thread, thanks for the advice and insight on this. I watched the pittman arm while it was running and the pitman arm moves with the steering wheel as it should with no apparent slack. So my issue then, may not be related the box itself.

I will need to get under it and look at whats moving and where the slack is. I was working on the assumption that my ball joints and tie rod ends were replaced just before I bought the car.

[Chryco Psycho]

Check it out closely 

[bigblock4speedman]

Be careful adjusting the screw with jam nut, center steering wheel, loosen nut, tighten screw down then back it off 1/2 or 1/4 turn, depending on wear.  Tighten jam nut while holding screw in place.  If the screw is too tight it's possable to go around a curve, and when you go to turn the wheel back, it won't turn back!  It can stick in one direction!  If there is resistance as you said, you might want to re adjust it, then test it sitting still, with car running.

[miketyler]

Yes, I did play with that and as I had posted previous found that the wheel wouldnt properly unwind out of a turn. I think that adjustment adds friction to the cross gear and does little if anything to reduce the affects of wear on the worm and cross gear.

When checking for front end component wear I have always been able to spot worn components by raising the front wheels and check for play trying to move the wheel in and out from the top and the sides. Trying this now the wheels seem pretty tight.

Maybe the better method is to look under the car and watch the linkages with the wheels on the ground while someone turns the wheel back and forth. Knowing the difference that the powersteering makes, perhaps better to have the engine running?   

[Chryco Psycho]

Maybe the better method is to look under the car and watch the linkages with the wheels on the ground while someone turns the wheel back and forth. Knowing the difference that the powersteering makes, perhaps better to have the engine running?   

That is how I would check it , having it running is not nessisary

[oldkimmer]

First off u have to adjust the end play. To adjust u have to loosen the lock ring on the steering shaft end, slowly tighten coller till u feel some resistance, then back it off just a smidgen. Tighten lock ring. Then u can adjust the sector shaft plyy to zero, then back off 1/4 turn.the little play that is left is designed into it and will be taken up once the car is running,pressuring everything up.This is best accomplished with the box off the car.I have done this on the cars many a time, just remember there is no substitute for experiance.  Hope this helps out.....older+wiserkimmer.

[ntstlgl1970]

  with kimmer, you have to adjust the worm gear preload before the sector shaft. It's a pain, that's why no one does it.....it's all in the manual