'65 D200 Steering Gearbox EXTREME play??

[Natasha]

Hey guys!

So I got my D200 about a month ago and I finally got to work on it again today.

Something I ran into driving this thing around my dad's pasture is that the steering is absolutely HORRIBLE. There are two FULL rotations of the wheel worth of slop changing from one direction to the other. Not an exaggeration, it's two full 360 degree turns and then a tiny amount of change, maybe another 15-20 degrees.

Tie rods and steering links are tight, it's the input to the steering box that I'm having the issue. Figured I'd see if, idk, maybe the adjustment grub screw was backed out entirely or something. Then I noticed that the adjustment grub screw has been run all the way in and there's some RTV on the gearbox like it's been apart.

I guess my question is, is there any chance something was just assembled wrong, or is it actually possible to have that much slop in the box?

I have never seen anything like this

[PwrWgnDrvr]

That's insane!
Bud Thorpe in Washougle, WA rebuilds the boxes and is the guru on them. Handle is powerwagon54 on the forum and he has a website. Do some searches and u can find contact info.
Also, u should get a factory service manual for the truck. Beautiful reprints available from Bishko Auto Manuals.

[Natasha]

Bishko looks great, but I'll have to hold off a bit on the shop manual. They're not super expensive but I am on a college student budget

I'll look up Bud. I'm sure he'd have some answers, based on how you're talking. :) From the pictures I've seen of these things, they have some corkscrew-looking assemblies with BBs around them? I'm thinking maybe some of the BBs are missing or something, based on my limited knowledge of how they work. But I've yet to take one of these apart........ key word being... yet

[712edf]

I think those boxes are called recirculating ball & nut or worm & sector.
Yes I think you're right several BB's may be missing.

Bucky

[Natasha]

Anyone have any idea how many little ball bearings are supposed to be in it? I think my next step is yanking the box off there and disassembling it, but I have no idea what I'd be looking for.

[Wildergarten]

Anyone have any idea how many little ball bearings are supposed to be in it? I think my next step is yanking the box off there and disassembling it, but I have no idea what I'd be looking for.

As much as I admire your fearlessness, if you're asking that question, I'd suggest finding another gearbox.

[soopernaut]

This could be of help, maybe you haven't already seen it:

[Jim100]

A member here gave a step by step on how to rebuild. Looked difficult. If a Saginaw box I would send to Bud. Its a couple of hundred bucks plus shipping. If it is in spec and able to be reworked.

[Natasha]

This could be of help, maybe you haven't already seen it:

This is EXACTLY what i needed. Got to my dad’s today and went to turn the wheels to the right to break everything loose and the work started BACKING OUT OF THE GEARBOX

So i stopped and removed the wheel instead, got the box off. I am 100% confident that i can rebuild it, just may need to order bits.

(Also replaced a rear brake cylinder today, i made a lot of progress)

When I start tearing it apart I’ll post some progress here.

[Hobcobble]

A member here gave a step by step on how to rebuild. Looked difficult. If a Saginaw box I would send to Bud. Its a couple of hundred bucks plus shipping. If it is in spec and able to be reworked.

It is most likely the Saginaw box and Bud is the guy to
go to. Steering is far too important and I'd suggest putting
in one that's been rebuilt by someone with a lot of experience
if you're going to register/drive it. The box is pretty easy
to remove and shipping cost is tolerable.

John

[PwrWgnDrvr]

.......went to turn the wheels to the right to break everything loose and the work started BACKING OUT OF THE GEARBOX

That happens when the upper bearing (19-15-60) disintegrates - the shaft comes out of the box. That would also explain the multiple turns of play.

[Txas2step]

You will not be disappointed with a box from Bud. Do it once.
( this is the thread on rebuilding a box FYI)
viewtopic.php?f=33&t=30487