2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering Box Adjustment - Question

[WOT]

I'm starting to get some wander & thought I would do some maintenance - Currently have 5 Lukes Link, Rancho steering stabilizer. I check the ball joints, seem OK. Decided to adjust the steering box, but I have conflicting adjustment proceedures.



The TSB (for 97 model) for adjusting the box says to adjust the spanner bolt at the steering column input by bottoming out the nut and backing off 9 mm. My service manual says 18 mm & I have read several posts that say 3-5mm.



I adjusted to 9mm & will see how it rides tomorrow. Is there a difference in steering boxes from 97? Should I tighten it down to 5 or open up to the manual spec of 18 ?



Anyone out there with a 2K adjusted it yet ?



TIA,

WOT

 

[Tardog]

I'm of no help to your problem , But I to have a 97 and was wondering how difficult this job is, Please keep us posted, Good Luck

 

[Josparkz]

On my 96 it got real noisy when I tightened it to the smaller spec. I packed it off a hair or too , and it sounded much better.

 

[WOT]

Haven't been out in it yet, but I think my first trip will be to the store to get some Valvoline synthetic PS fluid. I've been meaning to change it anyway. By cranking it down tighter there is less gap for oil to flow so a synthetic that doesn't get thick when cold is probably a good thing. It might just be me, be it seems that the steering gets worse when the system gets hot - might just be me though, I can get cranky if I get too hot too



Tardog,

It isn't that difficult - worst part was breaking the adjust nut loose. I couldn't find a spanner wrench at any stores nearby so I had to make one - took about 1/2 hour. The nut was TIGHT! The locknut came off real easy though. After spraying some WD40 on the threads and waiting I was able to break it loose with a little bit of extra leverage. After that is was very easy to turn.

 

[Pit Bull]

You might try adding a (DSS) Darins steering stablizer. Costs about $160 including shipping and takes about 30-45 minutes to install using hand tools. Do a search for the comments by the many members who have installed this steering fix.

 

[WOT]

Pit Bull,

Already on order - maybe I'll have it in the next couple weeks.



All went well on the test drive. Seemed like there was less play in the steering, but I'll have to reserve judgement until I have some more wheel time. I just finished filling it up with Vavoline Synthetic - probably won't make any difference, but it was due.



BTW, I forgot to mention that from the factory it was at least 18 mm, probably more...

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by WOT

Pit Bull,

Already on order - maybe I'll have it in the next couple weeks.

You will love it!!! Makes the steering rock solid. Adds another cross member to the front of the truck and seems to stiffen up the entire suspension feel. A lot of bang for the buck, when it comes to a bomb.