How to adjust steering box??? (4x4) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

into1000101 · 11-20-2002, 11:34 AM

I am in the process of refreshing the power steering setup... New hoses, flushed fluid, new stabilizer, tie rod ends, drag link, etc.

In the years I have owned GMC trucks, I never figured out how to adjust the steering box correctly... Can anyone point me in the right direction or provide advice?

Thanks in advance!

Andy4639 · 11-20-2002, 01:14 PM

When I redid mine... I started out without the pittman arm hooked to the tie rod. I turned the wheel to see how many turns it took to go from lock to lock. put steering wheel in the center of that, and then hook everything back together using your adjustments in the end links to keep everything straight. It might take a time or two, are you could get it close enough to drive and have a front end alignment done on it, and tell them what you want done to it.

Dean · 11-20-2002, 01:18 PM

I think he is talking about adjusting the steering box itself. What a fun job that is..................

into1000101 · 11-20-2002, 02:26 PM

Quote:

I think he is talking about adjusting the steering box itself. What a fun job that is..................

That is exactly right! Give this man a cigar!

Anyways, yes I am looking for adjusting the steering box only.

Thanks!

Michael A. K. G · 11-20-2002, 03:02 PM

There is a "correct" method, involving draining the gear, pulling the Pitman arm and measuring the preload on center and some distance off center (like 45 deg), but I've had no luck at all with that.

The fun part is that it isn't always possible to get the adjustment back where it was.

My guess is that the issue is sector tooth wear, and the solution is to replace the sector shaft (and probably the piston, too). A rebuilt gear will cost less.

Truckstr · 11-20-2002, 04:35 PM

From the corvettesteering.com website:

STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT & HIGH POINT CENTERING FOR ALL GM STEERING SYSTEMS

This is a must for proper handling and no play steering system !!!

The following are helpful hints in setting up your steering box :

All GM vehicles (Saginaw) steering boxes are designed with high point center steering.. Steering box gears are designed to come into full mesh when steering wheel is straight ahead.. A few degrees away from high point (or straight ahead) there will be play !! The father away from high point you go the greater the play..

Some steering boxes, especially the older types 1954 cars 62 and earlier Corvettes, have a great amount of play in the gears away from center or high point. This is a design feature!! If steering input shaft has a high point mark from the factory. It should be used as a reference only. Adjusting the steering box high point...

Rotate the steering wheel from the left to right, carefully.. Then run the adjuster screw in a little at a time, between turning the steering wheel full left & right. When the gears come into full mesh you will feel a slight binding in the steering wheel. The binding should only be felt through the approximate center of travel from full left to right. At this point you should find the center of the high point or binding.. Then make a mark or install the steering wheel straight on. Back off the adjuster so the binding is only slightly felt.. Then adjust tie rods & set toe-in so front wheels are straight ahead...

---

Hope this helps.

Jeff

into1000101 · 11-20-2002, 05:01 PM

Thank you so much! That is exactly what I was looking for!

Truckstr · 11-20-2002, 05:29 PM

You are welcome!

11-20-2002, 11:34 AM	#1
into1000101 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 51	How to adjust steering box??? (4x4) I am in the process of refreshing the power steering setup... New hoses, flushed fluid, new stabilizer, tie rod ends, drag link, etc. In the years I have owned GMC trucks, I never figured out how to adjust the steering box correctly... Can anyone point me in the right direction or provide advice? Thanks in advance! __________________ 1971 K5 Blazer- SOLD 350/TH350/4.10's fr/rr w/posi rear 4" Suspension lift, 33" tires 1996 GMC Sierra 4x Daily Driver- Flow, K&N New Toy- 1994 Chevy Z71 6" Procomp suspension 15x12" Alcoas w/BFG MT's Flowmaster

11-20-2002, 01:14 PM	#2
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Adjustment When I redid mine... I started out without the pittman arm hooked to the tie rod. I turned the wheel to see how many turns it took to go from lock to lock. put steering wheel in the center of that, and then hook everything back together using your adjustments in the end links to keep everything straight. It might take a time or two, are you could get it close enough to drive and have a front end alignment done on it, and tell them what you want done to it. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

11-20-2002, 04:35 PM	#6
Truckstr Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Lebanon, Tennessee Posts: 1,372	From the corvettesteering.com website: STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT & HIGH POINT CENTERING FOR ALL GM STEERING SYSTEMS This is a must for proper handling and no play steering system !!! The following are helpful hints in setting up your steering box : All GM vehicles (Saginaw) steering boxes are designed with high point center steering.. Steering box gears are designed to come into full mesh when steering wheel is straight ahead.. A few degrees away from high point (or straight ahead) there will be play !! The father away from high point you go the greater the play.. Some steering boxes, especially the older types 1954 cars 62 and earlier Corvettes, have a great amount of play in the gears away from center or high point. This is a design feature!! If steering input shaft has a high point mark from the factory. It should be used as a reference only. Adjusting the steering box high point... Rotate the steering wheel from the left to right, carefully.. Then run the adjuster screw in a little at a time, between turning the steering wheel full left & right. When the gears come into full mesh you will feel a slight binding in the steering wheel. The binding should only be felt through the approximate center of travel from full left to right. At this point you should find the center of the high point or binding.. Then make a mark or install the steering wheel straight on. Back off the adjuster so the binding is only slightly felt.. Then adjust tie rods & set toe-in so front wheels are straight ahead... --- Hope this helps. Jeff __________________ Jeff '67 short Fleet; my ongoing project. '66 long Fleet; my original "baby." Live life or bust trying.

11-20-2002, 05:01 PM	#7
into1000101 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 51	Thank you so much! That is exactly what I was looking for! __________________ 1971 K5 Blazer- SOLD 350/TH350/4.10's fr/rr w/posi rear 4" Suspension lift, 33" tires 1996 GMC Sierra 4x Daily Driver- Flow, K&N New Toy- 1994 Chevy Z71 6" Procomp suspension 15x12" Alcoas w/BFG MT's Flowmaster

11-20-2002, 05:29 PM	#8
Truckstr Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Lebanon, Tennessee Posts: 1,372	You are welcome! __________________ Jeff '67 short Fleet; my ongoing project. '66 long Fleet; my original "baby." Live life or bust trying.

11-20-2002, 01:18 PM	#3
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	I think he is talking about adjusting the steering box itself. What a fun job that is..................

11-20-2002, 03:02 PM	#5
Michael A. K. G Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: California central coast Posts: 126	There is a "correct" method, involving draining the gear, pulling the Pitman arm and measuring the preload on center and some distance off center (like 45 deg), but I've had no luck at all with that. The fun part is that it isn't always possible to get the adjustment back where it was. My guess is that the issue is sector tooth wear, and the solution is to replace the sector shaft (and probably the piston, too). A rebuilt gear will cost less.



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