Sloppy gear box

well since I am layed up I just thought of my gear box and was wondering what are my options? Mine is loose and needs replacing. Maybe a nice low milage box is all I really need. Fred K ????

Are you sure that it isn't just a worn out center link ball joint?

Do you mean your steering box? I was just talking about this on another forum as mine is loose. There is an adjustment procedure to tighten it up. Also, Rockauto carries brand new/reman boxes for not too much money after the core charge.

Get out your FSM. It has the instructions for adjusting the box. Loose does not mean worn out. If you are mechanically inclined, there are rebuild kits for the do-it-yourselfer. Be careful that you get the right box if you buy a rebuilt. There is a thread on ISSF about an incorrect box from Autozone. Not enough travel for proper steering.

I do not have any steering boxes that I am willing to sell. Shipping is almost prohibitive.

I don't remember WHY at this point, but adjusting the allen screw and locknut on top of the steering box should ONLY be done with the wheels straight ahead (sector gear centered). If you tighten when the gear is off-center, you will overtighten.

and doing anything with the steering box before double checking looseness in the linkage is not smart. It's easy to check.

Jimbeau,.. my front end is completely new every sticth of it so I know that is not the problem. You tube here I come.

jimbeau wrote:

I don't remember WHY at this point, but adjusting the allen screw and locknut on top of the steering box should ONLY be done with the wheels straight ahead (sector gear centered). If you tighten when the gear is off-center, you will overtighten.

and doing anything with the steering box before double checking looseness in the linkage is not smart. It's easy to check.

The input shaft plug must be adjusted first, then the screw on top. The nut is just a locknut. The reason you have to adjust it at center is, because the extremes have looser tollerances. The FSM has the correct technique and proper tollerances. Simply put, the plug must be tightened, and backed off 1/2 inch as measured at the outside edge of the housing. Then the sector shaft adjustment screw is adjusted until the input shaft has a center reading of 6-10 Lb. inches within 45 degrees rotation of center. The proceedure is in section 3B1-8 in your FSM.

I'm thinking that the RoadyMan here could have something as simple as too little toe-in. It makes the car feel sloppy and prone to wander, especially with incorrect rims with more offset than factory. . It's easy to adjust yourself on a level surface.

Jim I have 7 inch rims on it right now with proper tire size. And the car has been lined up recently, and the steering wheel does have some extra travel to it.

Well, then it's starting to sound like you could have a sloppy box. But, have someone sit in the car and run the wheel back & forth through the 'slop zone' (with the engine off) while you look under the hood at the steering shaft. There are two pieces that telescope together (they can get sloppy; mine did) and a rag joint. This is just a last check before you expend bucks and effort.

Thanks for your input Jim much appreciated. I'm sure some people on here may have read this info and found your comments quite helpful. I know all comments were based on not knowing the car so again Thanks.