TSB 19-10-97 (question)

[CookJ]

I believe its time for another steering box, or, will maybe try and make adjustments to this one. Can anyone tell me if the above TSB can be used on a 2003 model truck? TIA

 

[rbattelle]

Probably not, but I think there is an adjustment that can be made to the 2003 steering gear box.

Specifically, the service manual details a procedure for adjusting the "mesh load". This is done with the box removed from the vehicle, although I suspect if you're good it could be done on the vehicle.

(1) Remove the steering gear from the vehicle
(Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - REMOVAL).

(2) Mount the gear carefully into a soft-jawed vise.
CAUTION: Do not overtighten the vise on the gear
case. This may affect the adjustment

(3) Hold the steering gear upside down over a drain pan and rotate the input shaft back and forth several times lock-to-lock to discharge the fluid from the steering gear

(4) Rotate the input shaft to the left stop and then back-off approximately 45 degrees. Using an inch*pound
torque wrench on the input shaft, record the peak torque required to slowly and evenly rotate the
input shaft clockwise 1⁄2 turn (180 degrees) starting from the 45 degree position. This peak torque reading
is the preload torque. The preload torque must be within 2 - 10 in-lbs.

(5) Rotate the input shaft to its center of travel (approximately 1. 5 turns from either stop). Place the
torque wrench on the input shaft with the handle in the vertical position. Rotate the torque wrench slowly
and evenly 1⁄4 turn (90 degrees) each side of center and record the peak torque measure on or near center.
This total on-center torque reading must be 5 - 9 in-lbs higher than the previously measured preload
torque without exceeding a total of 17 in-lbs. The value of the total on-center minus the preload torque
is defined as the meshload torque

(6) If required, adjust the on-center torque by loosening the adjuster screw lock nut and turning the
adjuster screw until the total on-center and meshload torque readings fall within the specified values. Turn
the adjuster screw clockwise to increase and counterclockwise to decrease the torque reading. While holding
the adjuster screw in place, tighten the lock nut to 31 N·m (23 ft. lbs. ).

(7) Re-check the preload and on-center torque readings.

(8) Install pitman arm on the steering gear (Refer to 19 - STEERING/LINKAGE/PITMAN ARM - INSTALLATION).

(9) Reinstall steering gear to the vehicle (Refer to 19 - STEERING/GEAR - INSTALLATION).

The mesh gear adjustment nut is the big one in the center of the top/rear cover plate of the gear box.

Ryan

 

[CookJ]

Thanks Ryan. This weekend I performed the checks as instructed by others on this forum, including what the service department suggested. From what I can see, the steering gear is working properly. I am taking the truck back to the allignment shop this morning (for the third time) for them to check allignment. We installed the adjustable moog uppers and non-adjustable lowers but the truck still wanders all over the road. I'll have them check the steering gear again. I still don't understand why they are having a difficult time getting the front end alligned, as I never had this problem before. james