Steering box/Losing my mind

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slick
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Steering box/Losing my mind

Post by slick »

Alright guys. I rebuilt my steering box step by step off the forum. Drove the truck camping for Thanksgiving and it felt great. Steering was tight, no play awesome. As time went by I started to get a little play in the box, so I made the usual adjustment and it was good for a little bit, but not great. Now it has a ton of play in it again and is getting worse by the day. It's actually start to bind again like the old box did when it busted a bearing. What gives? Did I do something wrong? Would heat affect it? With the 5.2 Magnum motor the drivers side down pipe is about 1" from the box. Is this possibly affecting it? I'm at wits end with the steering in this thing. If it wasn't my daily it would have been torn apart and a new clip put on it by now.
1963 Crewcab
1965 Crewcab
1968 D-100 Longbed
1948 Dodge Panel Truck
1964 Dodge Polara
1957 Shasta

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Roxyflash
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Re: Steering box/Losing my mind

Post by Roxyflash »

How are you adjusting it
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wally426ci
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Re: Steering box/Losing my mind

Post by wally426ci »

Probably the threaded bolt on top.

Slick, I know it costs money - but have you considered seeing if Bud has one finished that he can send you and then maybe send this one back like a core once you swap it? I like to do what I can on my own, but I liked the idea of someone whom has rebuilt many to have his hands in it so I don't have to worry (I went this route a few years back and I am very happy)

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Txas2step
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Re: Steering box/Losing my mind

Post by Txas2step »

Have you considered the CPP power steering set -up? :thinking :Thumbsup
61 shorty 170/ 3spd 3:91(sold)
66 lwb 318 poly/727/4:10 (sold)
67 shorty 318poly/4spd 3:55
68 ute 318/3 spd/3:55(sold)
70 318/727/3:23
66 d200 225/4spd/4:10( military)(sold)
68 d100 383/727/3:55

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Hobcobble
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Re: Steering box/Losing my mind

Post by Hobcobble »

I'd think about not driving this truck if the steering is
binding up. :2cents :pale Bud Thorp has been rebuilding
these Saginaw boxes for a long time and could likely help
you out. There is an outfit called Steer N Gear in the
Columbus, OH area that rebuilds boxes too. :idea
John

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Re: Steering box/Losing my mind

Post by coelcanth »

another steering box question:

what's the best way to grease an already assembled steering box that seems to be in good shape ?
(not exhibiting any play)

is there a specific bolt to remove and pump full of grease ?
or a good spot to add a zerk fitting ??

thanks

JimE
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Re: Steering box/Losing my mind

Post by JimE »

Benchworks Steering Systems In S. Scottsdale can fix you up. Jim
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Txas2step
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Re: Steering box/Losing my mind

Post by Txas2step »

coelcanth wrote:another steering box question:

what's the best way to grease an already assembled steering box that seems to be in good shape ?
(not exhibiting any play)

is there a specific bolt to remove and pump full of grease ?
or a good spot to add a zerk fitting ??

thanks
There's a fill plug on top of the box. Un-screw it and filler-up. :Thumbsup
61 shorty 170/ 3spd 3:91(sold)
66 lwb 318 poly/727/4:10 (sold)
67 shorty 318poly/4spd 3:55
68 ute 318/3 spd/3:55(sold)
70 318/727/3:23
66 d200 225/4spd/4:10( military)(sold)
68 d100 383/727/3:55

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slick
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Re: Steering box/Losing my mind

Post by slick »

Had Bud Thorp rebuild a box for me. It's definitely better/safer, but I still have almost 1/4" of slop in my steering wheel. Trying to track that down. Took my box apart today, looks like it ate the bottom bearing up. Not sure why? I never overtightened that portion of the box.
1963 Crewcab
1965 Crewcab
1968 D-100 Longbed
1948 Dodge Panel Truck
1964 Dodge Polara
1957 Shasta

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