2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering Box has play, not slop..................

[PDDailey]

Hey Guys,



Just got done putting on new tie rods as well as Lukes Links on the draglink ends. Planned on putting Lukes Links on the main tie rods as well but they were wore past that point so I put complete new ones on. ANYWAY,,,,,improved my sloppy steering immensly!! I have the DSS kit, Lukes Link and new bushing on the original trackbar, Lukes Links on both ends of draglink, new tie outer tie rods, original ball joint which are tight.



I did notice as I was putting draglink back on pitman arm that there is a small amount of play in the steering gearbox. Now by this I mean as you turn the steering shaft by hand, it travels a ways before the pitman arm will rotate, I have no lateral slop at all, that I can tell anyway, again what I am referring to is actual play in gears themselves not the bearings.



Question: will adjusting the gearbox with the adjustment nut tighten this up?? Will the other adjustment where you tighten the other deal help??



If not can someone reccomend a reman or new box that wont break the bank? This vehicle is used 50% hiway, 50% gravel pulling flatbeds and/or horsetrailer with 4 horses and gear, I rally dont want a fancy offroad setup ig I dont need one,



Thanks



ps My truck is a 99 3/4t 4wd CTD 5 speed EDGE EZ 4 in exhaust, truck bought new by me, has 170,000 miles on it and I love it to death, if it was a women I would... ... ... ... well you know... ... ... ... !!!!!!!

 

[Dave M]

Don't know about adjusting the gear box but I can recommend a reman gear box. Everyone is going for a 3 1/4 turn (that is lock to lock turns of steering wheel which equates to a 13-16:1 variable ratio) verses the 4 1/4 turn stock box since it really improves the steering response and helps with the front end death wobble. There are two that are well thiought of on this site:



1. PSC (PSC Motorsports) reman box which I just installed is PN 841M for my 97 and cost $330 (no core return). www.pscmotorsports.com. Here is the link to the box I got: http://www.pscmotorsports.com/product_info.php?cPath=98_99&products_id=91



2. PSS (Power Steering Services). www.powersteering services.com They cost about $230 and you get a core deposit back as I understand. Get the 3 1/4 turn from them also.



If you search you will find lotsa info.



Dave

 

[WestTN]

You can adjust the setting on top of the box and reduce freeplay. First, jack the truck up to take the load off the front wheels and make SURE there is no play in the main shaft bearings as it must be adjusted first. Then loosen the locknut on top and turn the screw in a small amount. Check the box for binding by turning the steering wheel lock to lock. If there are no tight spots, make another adjustment. Continue this until you feel some binding, back up to the previous adjustment and secure the locknut. Check the adjustment one last time. you should be good to go.

 

[BLegere]

steering box play

What I did to solve steering problems: Install DT Profab trac bar , install Solid Steel Industries steering stabilizer then balance and true all 4 tires on truck this last fix made all the differance now my truck tracks down the road flawlessly . These were done at 100,000 miles so the box had not become a problem, as always money well spent to tighten up the weak links in our trucks I hope this helped Bill 94 ram 4/4 3/4 ton cummins

 

[TKlatt]

I hear ya about the play in the steering box. If fact the first time I let my girlfriend drive my truck, I was happy to be in Saskatchewan were there is FA around and the ditches are gently sloped. I will try the adjustment noted above by Dennis McCormick. Thank you for the tip



Tyler Klatt - 2000 SLT 2500HD Short Bed, 270,000 km's