Sloppy steering-how to fix?

[2bluesweptlines]

As may be the case with lots of Sweptlines, my steering is pretty loose, especially noticable at highway speeds. I don't think any of the ball joints or kingpins are loose or worn out, which leaves only the steering box, correct? Is there any way help this problem asides from getting a new/rebuilt steering box?

Thanks,
Stephan

[elacruze]

read this thread-

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=23494&p=168713&hil ... nt#p168713

If your box appears tight while sitting still but feels loose underway, you probably need your caster adjusted.

[demulsion]

Yes it is the case with lots of Sweptlines! The first thing I'd do is simply adjust the steering box. Chances are it hasn't been done before, so you should still have plenty of room to adjust. I don't have access to my FSM right now, or I'd post up the instructions for you.

[murdockrecords]

i had slop in both ends of my drag link too. the "ends" were worn and loose in their sockets.

[2bluesweptlines]

demulsion,
Thanks, I was hoping someone was going to say something about the steering box. I think there is a quite a bit of slop there. With the truck stopped, I can turn the wheel back and forth and see in the input (steering column) to the steering box move, but not the output. I'll check all of the links and joints today.

[Grodr625]

Would be nice to see how to properly adjust the steering box. My 68 has developed a wee bit of slop at highway speeds, although my tires are nearing their useful life...

[2bluesweptlines]

I found this article: http://www.chevytrucks.org/tech/steering_box_adjust.htm It pertains to Ch#%ys but I imagine it's a similar process.

[demulsion]

Yes, that sounds about like what I remember reading in my FSM. Good sleuthing.

[chilort]

Who even carries good rebuilt units? Or is this something you have to do yourself? My steering box is in pretty poor shape.

[Daddiojoe]

Steer and Gear in Columbus, OH has a good web page. They even sell a firm feel unit for our trucks. I'm savin' up.

Joe

[john]

Sloppy steering; a subject I'm very familiar with: If you ever had power steering and it's now disabled for any reason; most/all of your slack is in the drag link. Replace the drag link with "manual steering link." If you've never had power steering; it's likely gearbox adjustment. If, after adjustment, you still have too much slack; alignment/king pins. Note! If you're a very high miler, as I am (300K plus), then replace the steering gear box: Steer-n-Gear, 1000 Barnett Rd., Columbus, OH 43227 (800)253-4327. The gearbox for my 67 was $390.00 plus s/h with a $90.00 core charge. That price was a few years ago. John, Tyler, TX

[chilort]

Great info guys, thanks!

http://www.steerandgear.com/

[MountainMoparRobin]

Great info guys, thanks!

http://www.steerandgear.com/

their is another company also, I paid $250.00 to have mine rebuilt, they will even replace the worm gear if needed, they use your box as a core, so it has to be rebuildable.

[john]

Great info guys, thanks!

http://www.steerandgear.com/

their is another company also, I paid $250.00 to have mine rebuilt, they will even replace the worm gear if needed, they use your box as a core, so it has to be rebuildable.

This is the same outfit that I got mine from 3-4 years ago. The Saginaw for my '67 was $390.00 plus s/h. They did refund $90.00 core charge after I sent mine in to them. It was/and still is tight and clean. John, Tyler, TX