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tim88f250
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Nov 23, 2011, 8:10 AM
Post #1 of 7
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88 F250 steering box
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i have scary play in my steering i have replaced all bad parts ball joints all tie rod ends inner and outer all rubber bushings,,,, now the only play i have left is in the gear box!! i was going to adjust the worm screw on box but i am hearing its not a good idea,, should i adjust it or not? if not! why what will happen if i do
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 23, 2011, 8:40 AM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: 88 F250 steering box
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Yes, no, maybe. Not a lot of help for now but if like most you can adjust it if the good old worm gear type.
#1. Make sure it's the gearbox and not fooled by something else. If locking wheel just turn key enough to free it. Turn from underhood with steering wheel known pointed straight ahead and yes check the index mark on the shaft of steering wheel that it's centered to the wheel itself. Then if that's right, shaft first near the box and watch how much free-play there is from rod to box before pitman arm moves. Then check any other parts in that shaft, rubber isolator may be used and perhaps small u-joints too.
If SURE the box is at fault then hold center bolt (could be flat head, Allen head?) in place while just loosening locking nut. Just turn that center bolt 1/4 turn at a time, test for results. Worse or better? Make sure you keep track of turns so you can go back to where it was as some, at least Mopars are reverse threaded!
For final adjustment have front wheels hoisted off ground - important NOT to over-tighten as it could stick and wheel may be VERY fussy to return to center in use - caster effect may not overcome tight steering box and may not loosen up. Don't aim for zero freeplay - it wants some!
If bad enough be ready for an entire box replacement. Have a plan ahead of time an a place you can get one. All this AYOR and pay attention,
T
PS: Note! If not indexed to straight ahead there is planned freeplay to help accomodate assorted turn radiuses (sp?) during turns and if it was off center mark this could end up all screwed up! There should be a nick/notch on shaft inside under any covering for wheel pointing at 12:00 O'Clock - mandatory!
(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Nov 23, 2011, 8:48 AM)
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tim88f250
User
Nov 23, 2011, 8:53 AM
Post #3 of 7
(2720 views)
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Re: 88 F250 steering box
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Thanks for your advice,,,,yes i have heard that if not done rite steering can get hard to return to center,,,yes back up plan is replacing box with a reman box,,
OK,,,,why do i have to hoist front wheels off the ground for last adjustment?
i hear that because the gear wears out in the straight forward position u should never adjust it because gear will get to tight in a turn
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 23, 2011, 9:05 AM
Post #4 of 7
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Re: 88 F250 steering box
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With wheels off ground you can tell it's still free and not into sticky zone as in too tight. Off ground you should be able to steer wheels using the shaft by hand before and after messing with it.
Hey - admit to some real toilets back when - same concept and did go too far - lucky as all responded when redone properly but absolutely luck and don't have to which indicates to me that box is messed up.
Have '48 tractor using same gear box and balls are so worn trying to get insane play out just jams them up! Concept is rolling balls following thru a worm gear - age old - so am I 
T
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tim88f250
User
Nov 23, 2011, 9:15 AM
Post #5 of 7
(2710 views)
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Re: 88 F250 steering box
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oh my bad just saw your PS note about planed free-play
and i do know i had to take the steering wheel off after new parts and front end alignment steering wheel was not centered so i centered it but did not check to see if nick or notch was pointing to 12 o clock,,, so what do i do?? just make sure wheels are pointing straight forward and remove and index steering wheel to be centered before adjusting box?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 23, 2011, 9:26 AM
Post #6 of 7
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Re: 88 F250 steering box
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You heard right. That adjustment is for new assembly only. When the box wears, it wears in the straight ahead position only so if you take that play out, it is too tight on turns. The box needs to be replaced.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 23, 2011, 9:51 AM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: 88 F250 steering box
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tim: Quote">>planned free-play<<"
Some - not the world. It's screwey to even go there with these things and you may end up with a rebuilt or new (probably available for trucks) unit.
These are NOT rack and pinon feel and never were nor meant to be,
T
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