Steering Part ID - Help

[Spin'em75]

Need help identifying my steering box. Need to possibly replace. How do I tell if it's manual or automatic? This is about as much as I can provide for now in terms of pictures.

Issue: when steering left or right, there is a delayed/swerving response. Takes about a good whole second or so after I turn the steering wheel until the car actually makes its motion to turn. I believe this to be the steering box and was told when i bought the Duster that they feel it needs replacement as well. It's been over 4 months since I've driven it (currently in the paint shop,) so trying to get all parts gathered for replacement while I can so I can complete the restore process. Any help is appreciated.
Year: '75, 318.

Thanks!

 

[junkyardhero]

you have power steering.

it's entirely possible that your box is just fine but you've got slop elsewhere in the system. the steering shaft itself, the rag joint/coupler, the box not mounted securely (missing bolts/cracked mount), bad/wore out steering linkage. other suspension components that are slap *** wore out.

yes, mopar power steering is way way over assisted, but response time should still be near instant.

given the condition of the bearing retainer on the transmission, i'd be giving EVERYTHING on this car the fine toothed comb treatment.

 

[RAT ROD AL]

 

[Spin'em75]

you have power steering.

it's entirely possible that your box is just fine but you've got slop elsewhere in the system. the steering shaft itself, the rag joint/coupler, the box not mounted securely (missing bolts/cracked mount), bad/wore out steering linkage. other suspension components that are slap *** wore out.

yes, mopar power steering is way way over assisted, but response time should still be near instant.

given the condition of the bearing retainer on the transmission, i'd be giving EVERYTHING on this car the fine toothed comb treatment.

Thanks. In other words, don't jump to the box and have it diagnosed ha. Oh man. This should be fun.

 

[junkyardhero]

Thanks. In other words, don't jump to the box and have it diagnosed ha. Oh man. This should be fun.

correct.

check and make sure that the box is actually bolted to the k-frame. you'd be surprised...

 

[Spin'em75]

correct.

check and make sure that the box is actually bolted to the k-frame. you'd be surprised...

That'll be the first thing i do. Just wanted to get over the hurdle of whether it was power or manual. Figured it was power since it has the hoses. Thanks for the answer!

 

[remytherat]

When engine is off, how much play does the steering wheel have before the wheels move? A little bit is normal on an old ps box, but not more than an 8th of a turn.

If it’s loose, have someone move the steering wheel while you track the movement through the components

 

[str12-340]

Box is also adjustable and this may deal with excessive play.

 

[Spin'em75]

When engine is off, how much play does the steering wheel have before the wheels move? A little bit is normal on an old ps box, but not more than an 8th of a turn.

If it’s loose, have someone move the steering wheel while you track the movement through the components

I'll get to this and check it out once it's back from the paint booth this weekend. Hopefully it's something minor like an adjustment. I know a new K Member was added in before I bought it.

 

[Spin'em75]

Box is also adjustable and this may deal with excessive play.

Was also wondering if it's something simple as just an adjustment. I'll check it out once it's back from the paint booth. Is disassemble required to adjust it?

 

[remytherat]

Is disassemble required to adjust it?

No, there is a screw on the top. Probably has to do with what you’re dealing with but definitely not the full story.

 

[str12-340]

screw with lock nut usually, but you need instructions. FSM is best. There are so many points where there could be slack in the system. Best to adjust/ tighten all the slop you can you can out and if that doesn't do it then look for worn parts or bushings that need to be replaced. Adjust the box, tighten the bolts that hold the box to the frame. Get correct torque specs and tighten all the pieces of the front end to specs. Then look for what is still sloppy.