2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission HD Steering question?

[AKington]

I have had my HD T-steering on my truck for about three years. Right after I did it, I went and got an alignment on older tires. About a year later I put new tires on and noticed the steering wheel was off. I didn't mess with it for a long time. Today I went under the truck to fix the steering wheel and right as I was about to get it perfectly straight I noticed the bars were hitting each other. Do I need to get another alignment and then fix the steering wheel? Has anyone who has done the T-steering had to cut either of those bars to get more adjustment?

 

[JMcCoy]

Nothing should be hitting. Which bars are hitting where? Are you lifted? A picture would probably be best if possible. I'm sure It is something that can be corrected.

 

[AKington]

The bars from the pitman arm to the tie rod. No lift.

 

[cerberusiam]

You will have to reset the the steering box coupler or pitman arm on the steering box if that is possible. Its that or remove some of the adjustment bar to get the needed slack.

 

[AKington]

My steering box is shot, so I guess I'll wait until replacement to decide. I think it's weird I would have to reset coupler or pitman arm to get the adjustment needed. As far as I know everything is in it's original position. You would think other people would have the same problem if it is. Any ideas on what to cut the bars with, without destroying the threads?

 

[cerberusiam]

A mteal cutting saw would work then chamfer the end with a file so the coupler will start on the threads.

Its hard telling how it setup whe it was installed unless you did it yourself.

Was the box centered correctly before replacement? Was the pitman arm replaced and in the same position?

Does the HD upgrade match OE exactly? That is all installtion and manufacturing.

 

[Bob4x4]

Is the track bar adjusted properly?

 

[JR]

The bars from the pitman arm to the tie rod. No lift. View attachment 83747

It seems odd that the threads are nearly bottomed out on each other in the sleeve. Like your adjustment is maxed out, or in rather. You should have some adjustment available either way

 

[AKington]

The box always seem centered before. I went in the garage and turned both ways from center, just over 2 turns each way. Just make sure the steering wheel turns the same amount both ways right? The pitman arm was replaced by me and I'm positive it was in the same place. All parts seemed to all fit ok when I switched over. I checked all the part numbers that I ordered and they seem to match the website I referenced to do the install. I adjusted the track bar so the wheels were pretty much center. Is that the correct way? What is the best way to adjust the track bar? I didn't think about this yesterday, but what if I go the complete opposite way with the adjustment until the steering wheel is straight? I don't have time to try it today. Do you think that will work? I just adjusted it the way that would center it fastest.

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[cerberusiam]

If you steering box is bad maybe that is where the slack is you should have on the adjuster.

 

[Bob4x4]

You will have to reset the the steering box coupler or pitman arm on the steering box if that is possible. Its that or remove some of the adjustment bar to get the needed slack.

either one of those methods risk damaging the clockspring

 

[GrantP]

I had the same problem when I did my "T" conversion. I just cut about a 1/4" of thread off of one of the ends (don't recall which one I cut). It works fine and there is still plenty of thread engagement.

 

[cerberusiam]

I had the same problem when I did my "T" conversion. I just cut about a 1/4" of thread off of one of the ends (don't recall which one I cut).

That may be the answer. Its a conversion so one is never sure how it will fit and the adjustments come out. If the box is centered when installed, the box is good, axle is centered under the truck, then it is just the way it was built

 

[AKington]

Well I'm glad I'm not the only one. The steering wheel is pretty straight, so when I go to change the steering box I will cut some off. I will have to start researching steering boxes now. Thanks for all the replies.