Power steering Gearbox Question...

[elevenssc]

With the car on jackstands and the engine and tranny out of the car, the input shaft to my power steering gearbox on my 1970 Barracuda has about 20deg of free play in it.  (I can trun the steering wheel aout 20 deg before the gearbox/wheels move).  Reading the manual. I get the impression that the output to the pitman arm is what is used to adjust the freeplay out of the gearbox. 

Any Ideas?  Can the input freeplay be adjusted out too?  Do I need a new gearbox?  If so, where do you recommend I get another one?

Now's the time to replace it if I need to...

Thanks

[farmboy70]

Is this movement with the column in ? If so the coupler pot at the end of the column has been known to wear out. Parts are available at most Mopar dealers for this.
Follow the intructions in the service manual for the adjustments. Do not go too tight the car will tend to stay were the wheel is put.
Dave

[dodj]

I have play like that too. I'm replacing it with a Firm Feel unit. I've never liked the 'pinky finger' steering of the original box. I figured even if I could adjust out the play, I'd still have steering I don't like.

[72rtchallenger]

I have play like that too. I'm replacing it with a Firm Feel unit. I've never liked the 'pinky finger' steering of the original box. I figured even if I could adjust out the play, I'd still have steering I don't like.

what kind of unit are you replacing it with

[dodj]

A FFeel stage two.

[72rtchallenger]

A FFeel stage two.

not to hijack the thread but is it alot different then the original as I don't like the one finger steering either

[dodj]

I can't tell you yet. It's on order and I don't have it. From going through other threads on steering, most seem to like level 2, some prefer level 3 - a little stiffer yet. Steer and gear also offers similar equipment, I just heard more positive responses about firm feel so I went with them.  Others that have already installed one of these aftermarket 'tweeked' boxes might chime in...

[Chryco Psycho]

I have installed 2 stage 2 boxes in the last 3 months  & they definatly improve the feel , ! came from FF, the other from Steer & Gear , Steer & Gear was faster & cheaper customer service was awesome with both