When adjusting the top hex nut, which direction will tighten the box, clockwise or counterclockwise? It seems as it would be clockwise on the hex nut but I would hate to assume.

 

loosen the jam nut, then tighten the allen/hex clockwise. I like to remove the steering shaft and center link to make sure i get it perfect. DONT overtighen it.

 

Thanks again for the info merf23. I have the steering shaft out of the car to change the rag joint this weekend (should be interesting). How do I tell if I have overtightened. I have read you can tell by turning the wheel lock to lock but I would have to reinstall the shaft to turn the box. What should I do?

 

I disconnect both ends of the box and turn the steering shaft end by hand while hold the pitman arm with my other hand. You want to tighten it until resitance is felt and then back it off until it is free. There shoulb be very little free play at this point, hopefully none.
I recently replaced my rag joint. I bought a truck replacement joint at NAPA. I had to use screws with jam nuts (1/2 height nuts)then grind off the remaining bolt threads to avoid interference with the steering shaft. It was the best $11 i spent on this thing!
Where in connecticut are you? I live near foxwoods...

 

Thanks again for the info. The rag joint I recently picked up from a local parts store was to big (diameter). I know someone at the local Chevy dealer so I asked him to order me one. I'll try your technique on the box and hopefully I can eliminate most if not all of the play. It just doesn't feel like it used to. Also, I live in Vernon, east of Hartford (Tolland county). It is about an hour from foxwoods.

 

OK, one more question. I tried this procedure on my older truck (GMC Jimmy, same style box) since it was very loose and I didn't want to try first run on my car. When tightening it it was very easy for a few turns (extremely sloppy steering) and then it tightened. I felt some binding so I backed off slightly. The steering is better than I ever thought I could get out to this vehicle (it was easily 10X looser than my Camaro is). My question is when I was backing off (turning counter clockwise) there was a lot of resistance. Is this normal? The lock nut was backed off enough. I just really don't want to screw up the Camaro box.

 

Not to sound stupid or anything,,,but,, does the procedure tighten the feel of the steering or take the slack out of it ?

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89iroc... sounds like when you over-tighened the Jmmy box, you may have mushroomed the end a bit. I would back the adjuster out until it turns freely then make the adjustment.
Deadbird - the adjustment should only remove the free play, if it tightens the box, you went too far.

 

Thanks again merf23. Time to try on the Camaro. I'll let you know how it turns out.