Binding in Manual Steering Box?

[64physhy]

I Just got a manual steering box for my Duster. There doesn't seem to be any slop, but as I turn it stop to stop, it seems to have some binding or stiffness in the middle of the turning range. Since this would be about where it would be with the wheels pointing straight. I'm not sure if it's supposed to be tight in that range or not. I have no experience with manual steering. Is it normal or anything to be concerned about?

 

[russduanegreen]

I bought a parts car that I was going to drive home. Had a few problems and decided to trailer it . Turned sharp to line it up and the malual box stuck. Never did get it unstuck. Glad I didnt try to drive it home. Be careful....

 

[1wild&crazyguy]

There is an lock nut adjuster on the box that takes the play out of it, back it off just a hair at a time till the tight spot go's away.

If you fund it to be real loose after that...the box was toast and someome was trying to band aid it with over snugging the free play adjuster.

 

[64physhy]

Is the adjuster the one with the locknut and screwdriver slot?

 

[camd64]

Is the adjuster the one with the locknut and screwdriver slot?

Thats it. And as stated back it off just a very slight amount at a time.

 

[64physhy]

Thanks guys. It worked and didn't get sloppy. Seems like a good solid box. Now for an install question; someone told me that the steering column is collapsible and some can be pulled out when converting to manual steering so I don't need a new column or adapter. True or not?

 

[jrlegacy23]

I have heard the same. Do some research, but I heard that you hit the bottom with a sledge hammer pushing it up in, and then pull it out. I have never done this, but I thought I read that somewhere.

 

[1wild&crazyguy]

Lol

 

[64physhy]

Lol

Can you elaborate? Not a good idea, or what?

 

[1wild&crazyguy]

Can you elaborate? Not a good idea, or what?

something about the sledge hammering bothers me.

I would just drop the column or see if I could stab the splines while mounting the box.

I am not familiar with the hammering anything in to fit it.

 

[jrlegacy23]

Can you elaborate? Not a good idea, or what?

It really does not sound like a good idea to me, sounds unsafe to drive like that, But I don't know exactly what that does ??????

 

[64physhy]

I'll figure it out when I take the ps out. If it looks like it will need forced, I'll get an adapter.

 

[Jim Lusk]

You need a longer steering shaft. You can lengthen the power steering shaft, but that won't leave much meat. You also need a manual steering coupler.

It has been very common in years past to tighten up the center of the manual gear on drag cars.

 

[lilcuda]

If you need to lengthen a PS column for use with a manual box, put down the sledge hammer (WTH is up with that anyway?) and pick up your wallet. Firm Feel sells an adapter.

http://www.firmfeel.com/column_adapt.htm

 

[65TerrorCuda]

Mopar Action did a steering rebuild article a few years back, it mentioned the box is supposed to have increased resistance in the "straight ahead" position, -to reduce highway shimmy iirc. But it shouldn't be noticeable while driving

 

[Burntorange70]

I would not mess with the shaft. Don't want it coming loose on you when driving.