Hello everyone. I just finished replacing my steering cylinder, all the lines and bushings and then the steering coupler (Rag Gear) and hardware. It increased my handling by gobs. I still have just a hint of play in the wheel, maybe about a quarter inch from center before the wheels actually respond both ways. Everything in the linkage tie rod ends and the like seem to be pretty tight. Is my next step to replace the steering gear box and or the steering valve? I am leaning toward the gear box but, thought I would run it by everyone here.   Thanks !!!

You may be able to adjust the gear box without replacing it.  With the column unlocked, open the hood and grab the steering shaft.  Turn it gently and watch for play between the gear box input and output on the pitman arm.  If it's sloppy there, the box can be adjusted by loosening the lock nut on top, turning the center bolt slightly, and retightening the lock nut.  If it's overtightened, the steering will not return to center properly and the steering box will wear out too quickly.

Hi Ken, and thanks for the info and suggestion. I will give that a trie. Any clues as to how tight is too tight?

I took about all of the play out of mine.  I did all the same work and was still unhappy with the play and floating side to side.  My box is rebuilt and I cranked down on the screw until it was hand tigght with the car parked, maybe a tad more.  I essentially took all of the play out and I am very happy with the results.  It still returns to center, and I think the answer to your question is it is to tight if the steering won't return to center.  I may wear out this box prematurley, but I still have my old core and will rebuild it when needed.  It is worth the extra wear, if any, to get the steering feel I want.  No more floating side to side and immediate response from the wheel. Relayer4438571.2913888889

Thanks Relayer44. I will try tightening it today after we get home this afternoon. I may end up getting another one anyway since mine is the original factory part I will have it rebuilt. I want to see how much I can do with the adjustment now that I know I can do that.    It is good to know that you were able to get great responce back that way.

Looking forward to it today and I will post how it went.

Later!!!

Wow, I can't believe how easy that was. Thanks Ken and Mark. The adjustment in the steering gear box put things back in order with a turn and a half. Wheel comes back to center and most importantly, NO Play In the Wheel. Nice and tight, touch it and it goes that way. Hold onto it and it stays where it is put. Lovely!!! Sucks around corners like it was glued in. Sweeeet!

The steering coupler was the toughest part for me. Getting it the old one off and then replaceing it with the new one. Since I was doing this with everything in place on the car it made it a bit of a squeeze to do but, all in all it went good. Most inportant thing to remember is take your time and don't try to rush. Old rusty bolts and warn out rag disc makes for fun stuff.

If anyone is interested in how I did the job I can post it in the tips section.

Thanks a bunch again Guys!!!

Save the wave!

If you have the time, go ahead and post it in the tips section. I'm sure someone, sometime could use it. Thanks

Will do!   

I know I will.  It's not on top of my list, but certainly something I want to do.

For anyone else following this thread looking for ideas, you might also try taking off the horn button (it just prys off) and check the small bolts that hold the steering wheel on.  Mine were loose enough that it was letting the wheel turn a bit before it rotated the steeing shaft.  A quick little 10-minute fix...