I have my steering box out of my car and would like to adjust it. The adjuster on top is set properly, but i need to know how to adjust the thrust pre-load (i think thats what it is called). Do i need to take the cap off the end of the box at the front of the car or do i need to adjust it where the steering shaft connects?

 

It gets adjusted at the steering shaft end of the shaft. Are you sure you know the factory procedure to do this?

 

I believe the procedure is to torque it to 20 '/lbs then turn it 1/2" ccw. I have a popular mechanics CD rom manual, but it doesnt get too specific. Do i need any special tools for this?

 

merf
Sure looks like some special tool needs to be improvised. From the GM manual the adjuster plug has slots that require a spanner wrecnch. The trick here is some type of spanner drive that allows the shaft to pass through, but also have the ability to be driven with a torque wrench.
Additionally for the sector adjustment (you already made), the manual says to back it out of the way & read the torque to drive the shaft in in-lbs. Then, turn in the sector screw to increase the previous value by 10 in-lbs. If you follow that procedure, the tough part is coming up with a low range in-lbs torque wrench (say 0-30).
Regards, FJK

[This message has been edited by FJK (edited September 17, 2000).]

 

Thanks, i checked it out some more and the amount of play at the input shaft ay equate to 1/8" at the steering wheel at the most. Most of my slop is at the "rag" joint. I am thinking of replacing it with a u-joint. Coleman machine in michigan sells heparts for stock cars, i think it will be easy to do.

 

I also understand the make polyurethane rag joints as well, but don't have a source. You might want to check that out as well. As far as that sector adjustment goes, I suppose you can violate the factory setting & go in further. Just make sure your steering wheel will self-return after making turns.

 

Any idea who makes the poly-urethane rag joints, that sounds like a nice way to go for the street. I plan on picking up a street rod magazine to look at the ads in there.
Thanks for the info. If i find something ill post it

 

Try suspension.com

The guy's got an Energy Suspension on-line catalog. Whether or not they have the poly rag joint....I'll let you scope it out.
Regards, FJK