loose steering, how much is normal?

[rkneeshaw]

For wormdrive steering gear driven rangers such as my '94?

I have about 1/2" to 1" of play in the steering wheel, which is an improvement over what it was before I replaced both tie rod ends, drag link, and basically everything below the pitman arm (really bad joints). I've visually confirmed the remaining play is all in the steering box. But before I replace the somewhat pricey steering box I want to make sure it will be a worthwhile investment.

All the cars I've owned have had a steering rack instead of a steering gear. So I'm not sure how tight I can expect the steering to get.

 

[rkneeshaw]

also the adjustment nut is seized, so I can't adjust it. I can remove it, just can't adjust it.

Still just not sure if a little play or looseness is normal when comparing a gear system to a rack system and whether I can further improve this or not...

 

[4x4junkie]

A teeny-tiny amount of play generally isn't a problem (maybe ¼-½"), but 1" is quite a bit.

If the meshload adjuster bolt is frozen and won't turn, then you'll need to replace the top cap and/or adjuster bolt on the box, or get a new box for it.

 

[feellnfroggy]

So my 2-3 inches is bad?

 

[4x4junkie]

Well if you don't mind driving with it that way... Then I guess not. I know I wouldn't be able to stand it constantly going back & forth & back & forth from 11:00 to 1:00 on the steering wheel just to keep it in the lane.

 

[rkneeshaw]

I pulled the adjusting nut and was able to break it loose. I was a little worried because I had no idea where the adjustment was set at before I removed it, so I had no point of reference for making adjustments. So what I had to do was tighten it all the way down until it stopped, then backed it off about a half turn. Took it for a short drive and its real tight, didnt really want to come back to center completely, so I adjusted the screw back out another 1/4 turn until it felt right. Now I've got about 1/4" of play in the steering MAX, and it feels 95% better. I can go over bumps and the truck doesnt want to steer itself anymore, it just stays true.

I've heard that its not too often that an adjustment like this actually helps, so I feel lucky!

 

[shane96ranger]

I'm having the same issue on mine. I have 1 1/2 to 2 inches of play. It's time for a new box.

 

[blh0007]

where is the adjustment bolt?... i had no idea that there even was an adjustment bolt.

 

[shane96ranger]

Does this help? The sector shaft adjusting screw and lock nut are what you need to worry about.

 

[4x4junkie]

Yeah be careful when tightening that bolt. If you tighten it too much, you'll bind up the box (possibly causing you to wreck, forget about damaging the box itself).
Best method to check for binding is to disconnect the steering linkage from the pitman arm, and cycle the wheel back and forth, feeling for any binding right at center. Adjust it right to the point where there's no binding.

 

[shane96ranger]

Yeah be careful when tightening that bolt. If you tighten it too much, you'll bind up the box (possibly causing you to wreck, forget about damaging the box itself).
Best method to check for binding is to disconnect the steering linkage from the pitman arm, and cycle the wheel back and forth, feeling for any binding right at center. Adjust it right to the point where there's no binding.

Good call, I should have mentioned that. I made this adjustment once already and I would only go 1/4 turn at a time and check for play after each adjustment. Unfortunately it's lose again. I think the PO put ATF in it for fluid which may or may not be the cause. Come to think of it, the PO has left me a couple of nice things to work on lately (chinese wheel bearings, cheap plug wires, etc.). Luckily it's almost all factory though.

 

[blh0007]

thanks for the info fellas... i've replaced the linkage thinking that was the issue, but still alot of play. hopefully this will take care of it.