How do I adjust freeplay in gearbox?

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Loveland, CO - USA

Joined: 9/30/2007

Posts: 28

Vette(s): Red 1980 L48 TH350 Automatic, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Hooker Headers Sidepipes. Doeskin Cloth Interior, Collector's Edition Lifting Rear Hatch.

I've been trying to eliminate 2" back and forth slop that I have in my steering. I've replaced the p.s. control valve, p.s. slave cylinder, idler arm, hoses, tie rod ends, pitman arm, upper and lower ball joints, control arms Man I've replaced everything!!! Everything except for the gearbox and rag joint. I've still got the slop. I did a search on the forums and I don't see how to adjust the play in the gearbox. I want to know how to determine if the gearbox needs rebuilt/replaced or if it just need adjusted. When I turn the wheel back and forth in the slop area, I see the shaft at the top of the gearbox moving back and forth, but no movement of my tires. Any enlightenment beyond my knowledge would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Matt

How do I adjust freeplay in gearbox?

Posted: 7/19/08 8:57am Message 2 of 15

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tuxblacray

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Greensburg, IN - USA

Joined: 9/24/2003

Posts: 5189

Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe, 1989 Coupe, 2001 Roadster Present: 1967 Stingray Roadster, 1976 Stingray Coupe, 1989 Roadster..

Hi Matt,

If you use the search function and type in Gearbox.... you will get quite a bit of history on this subject that may be of interest to you.

I scrolled down through this and found where Joel gave some of his Master Mechanic advice. Hope this helps you.....

How do I adjust freeplay in gearbox?

Posted: 7/19/08 9:19am Message 3 of 15

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Former Member

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Loveland, CO - USA

Joined: 9/30/2007

Posts: 28

Vette(s): Red 1980 L48 TH350 Automatic, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Hooker Headers Sidepipes. Doeskin Cloth Interior, Collector's Edition Lifting Rear Hatch.

Thank you!

Matt

How do I adjust freeplay in gearbox?

Posted: 7/19/08 9:56am Message 4 of 15

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Former Member

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Loveland, CO - USA

Joined: 9/30/2007

Posts: 28

Vette(s): Red 1980 L48 TH350 Automatic, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Hooker Headers Sidepipes. Doeskin Cloth Interior, Collector's Edition Lifting Rear Hatch.

Well, I loosened the nut on the gearbox and had my son turn the steering wheel back and forth through the slop as I slowly turned the stud clockwise until the play was gone. I then tightened down the nut and viola! All of the play was gone! I didn't keep track of how much I turned the stud. It was at least 1 revolution maybe 1 1/2. After having replaced the control valve, ram, hoses etc. to try to eliminate the slop, this seems too easy. Does this just mean that my gearbox is getting old? Should I watch for something happening as I drive it now?

Matt

How do I adjust freeplay in gearbox?

Posted: 7/19/08 10:24am Message 5 of 15

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Former Member

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Loveland, CO - USA

Joined: 9/30/2007

Posts: 28

Vette(s): Red 1980 L48 TH350 Automatic, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Hooker Headers Sidepipes. Doeskin Cloth Interior, Collector's Edition Lifting Rear Hatch.

Well, I took it for a spin. While all of the slop is gone, the wheel seems much firmer to turn, especially initially. Kind of like a manual steering system only not near that stiff. I'm wondering if I should back the stud off a little bit.

Matt

How do I adjust freeplay in gearbox?

Posted: 7/19/08 11:15am Message 6 of 15

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crossfire1982

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Cramerton, NC - USA

Joined: 8/22/2006

Posts: 1094

Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion

You may want to back off a "hair" but not much. I am having a similar problem with my 82 and the adjustments seem to last only a couple thousand miles. I am seriously considering a change to rack and pinion steering as my winter project this winter. A number of the guys have made the conversion and most comments are very favorable.

How do I adjust freeplay in gearbox?

Posted: 7/19/08 11:33am Message 7 of 15

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Former Member

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Loveland, CO - USA

Joined: 9/30/2007

Posts: 28

Vette(s): Red 1980 L48 TH350 Automatic, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Hooker Headers Sidepipes. Doeskin Cloth Interior, Collector's Edition Lifting Rear Hatch.

Thanks, I'll try backing it off a hair. If it lasts me long enough to afford the Steeroids, that would be super!

Matt

How do I adjust freeplay in gearbox?

Posted: 7/21/08 8:35am Message 8 of 15

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VetteSpecialties

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Mounds View, MN - USA

Joined: 5/24/2007

Posts: 1031

Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe

The problem is that the gears wear where they work most often, which is going straight, or slight turns. When you tighten it enough to take up that wear, you really bind up at the extremes. It might get so tight that it sticks in a full turned position. Jack up the car and, with the engine off, turn lock to lock. Back off enough to move freely all the way. You will probably still have some slop in the middle, but that can only be fixed with a new or rebuilt box. It is better to live with a little slop and be safe.

Larry

How do I adjust freeplay in gearbox?

Posted: 7/21/08 9:42am Message 9 of 15

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crossfire1982

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Cramerton, NC - USA

Joined: 8/22/2006

Posts: 1094

Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion

Thanks Larry, that makes sense that taking up enough slack in the center where most of the wear is would make bind left and right where it is less worn, I just had never thought of it that way.

How do I adjust freeplay in gearbox?

Posted: 7/21/08 9:54am Message 10 of 15

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