steering box adjustment

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trudysduster

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On the 69 Valiant on the interstate the other day I was driving this for the first time really since I got the car. It seems to wander some going down the road. I think there may be too much play in the steering box. you can adjust the play some with the screw in the bolt on the top of the steering box cant you. Do you turn the screw in or out to do this. I think I did this on the Dart when we got it.
 
yes,

If my memory serves me correctly, crack loose the lock nut and use a screw driver to set the lash.
Use very small adjustments, right tight left loose.

AlV

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The allen screw is the adjuster and the 5/8 (I think) nut secures it. (center screw may be allen or not)
Hold the allen and loosen the locknut a couple of turns.
With the steering centered, twist the steering shaft back a forth by hand while turning the allen in (clockwise) until a resistance is felt, then tighten down the locknut while still holding the allen.
If it is loose you should feel the gap closing up while turning the rocking the steering shaft back and forth and turning the center screw in.
You might need to do it again after the steering is turned full left and right.
It takes a little experimenting if you have never done it before, and if you get it too tight you will feel a strange resistance in the steering when crossing over centered.
 
^^And when its too tight, driving in a straight line will be nearly impossible.
Steering requires constant corrections. An awful lot of them are very small corrections and may be done sub consciously. When that screw is a tiny bit too tight, you will immediately become aware of the constant corrections. The tight sector-shaft causes the pivot lever in the box to constantly tickle the reaction springs, which constantly applys boost to the powerpiston, so on center feel is continuously being boosted. What you get is a car with " strange resistance in the steering when crossing over centered (TB)" and it continually wants to go either a little left or a little right. This quickly becomes incredibly annoying. So my standard answer is this; two hairs too loose is way better than one hair too tight.
 
^^And when its too tight, driving in a straight line will be nearly impossible.
Steering requires constant corrections. An awful lot of them are very small corrections and may be done sub consciously. When that screw is a tiny bit too tight, you will immediately become aware of the constant corrections. The tight sector-shaft causes the pivot lever in the box to constantly tickle the reaction springs, which constantly applys boost to the powerpiston, so on center feel is continuously being boosted. What you get is a car with " strange resistance in the steering when crossing over centered (TB)" and it continually wants to go either a little left or a little right. This quickly becomes incredibly annoying. So my standard answer is this; two hairs too loose is way better than one hair too tight.
This is so true and more annoying than the play!
 
I have a straight axle on mine (Gasser) with a manual box to much play in my steering wheel turning in and out of curves but I'm out of adjustment , Time for a new box ? or rebuild

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I bought a remanufactured one probably 10 years ago or so for a B-body and it seemed to me it was no better as far as being tighter than what I pulled out. It didn't leak though so I'm just guessing, and this is my own guess is that all they really do is break it down, clean it up and replace all the seals and gaskets. Other people can chime in but next time I think I'll save up my money to buy new. I put a lot of miles on too as my Dart is my driver so it makes a difference to me.
 
There is a procedure for this outlined in the service manual. Its a must if you do your own work. The steering box is a product of the 50's so don't have expectations that are too high, lol.
 
I heard great advice on here about the gear box. "Two hairs too loose is better than one hair too tight!!!"

I adjusted mine a couple years ago using the method @TrailBeast outlined. Its pretty easy to grab the steering shaft with one hand and twist it back and forth while adjusting with the other. I think I tightened it about 3/16".
 
I heard great advice on here about the gear box. "Two hairs too loose is better than one hair too tight!!!"

I adjusted mine a couple years ago using the method @TrailBeast outlined. Its pretty easy to grab the steering shaft with one hand and twist it back and forth while adjusting with the other. I think I tightened it about 3/16".
Do you have the link on how to adjust. mine is loose on my 69 Fish with power steering. THX
 
Do you have the link on how to adjust. mine is loose on my 69 Fish with power steering. THX

Check out post #3 above. My 66 has a locknut (5/8, I think) and the adjustment screw has a slot for a screwdriver. It's right on the top front inside of the gear box. Not much room to get on the locknut...I think I had to use a wrench.

You can download a field service manual at MyMopar - Mopar Forums & Information - Service Manuals. Scroll down and you'll see Plymouth, then 69 Barracuda. You should find step-by-step there.
 
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