ElementsofSpeed

I finally got the old rag joint off and the new one on! So I am using Help! part number 31008 and it looks like it should just clamp on to the gear box. Well, i got the intermediate shaft halfway back in...i got it connected to where it comes out of the firewall...BUT I CANT GET THE DANG RAG JOINT ONTO THE STEERING GEAR BOX!!! Did anyone else have this trouble or know what i can do...I have taken the bolt completely out, but still, no luck. Thanks a lot for all your support and ideas.

HalfInchWrench

It's easier to attatch the end onto the steering box first. Wobble it around a bit while you push it towards the steering box and it should slide right on. Then attach the steering shaft. Just went thru this 2 days ago. That is what worked easiest for me.

ElementsofSpeed

did you use the same part...that help 31008? cause i really want to make sure this things goes on...did you have to line up the splines or will it just go on however? thanks for the reply dude, i am in a bind.

HalfInchWrench

I didn't replace the rag joint, just had the shaft out. There is a flat spot on the piece that slides onto the steering box shaft. Make sure you line those up. If it's really tight then you can spread it a bit by unscrewing the bolt about half way and using a vicegrips between the bolt and the seperated part of the shaft to spread it a bit more.

I swore a bit doing this. To top it off I burned my arm a bit on the exhaust manifold and later burned my forehead on the work light. Nuttin' serious, just enough to irritate me for the rest of the day.

ElementsofSpeed

thanks, i will see what i can do...see, i bought this help! pn 31008 that everyone was talking about that worked, but i dont know now, its really tough to get on. i will let you know how it goes, i am about to go work on it.

ElementsofSpeed

alright, i got it all put back together, but since the rag joint was a little off, my steering wheel is off center a little bit. The rag joint took away some of the steering wheel slop, but now i have tracked it down to the steering gearbox. The input gear on the steering gearbox turns about 10 degrees either way before it catches abd turns the pitman arm. what do you think? thanks

HalfInchWrench

You can take a little bit of the slop out of the steering box by adjusting the hex nut pointing out of the top of the box. You need to losen the nut on the outside first while holding the hex bit. I use a crows foot on the nut and a socket on the hex. Two long extensions and two rachets up top.

This is not the perfect way to adjust it. A little bit is ok but don't try to make it really firm. It has to be taken apart to be done right and it requires a few oddball tools.

Allignment guy can straighten your steering wheel without any problems.

ElementsofSpeed

Alright, I heard that you tighten the box until your steering wheel wont come back to you when you are turning, and then start adjusting it back until it is right...how did you adjust your gearbox to the best setting? i dont want to over tighten it and fry my box. thanks wrench.

HalfInchWrench

Have someone turn the wheel back and forth while you adjust. Just tighten till it's almost perfect. Leave a little bit of slop. Taking it all out that way really strains the hell out of it. Be sure to hold the hex when you go to finally tighten down the nut or it will throw it off.

ElementsofSpeed

Should i jack it up or leave it on the ground? and when i adjust it, should i drive it or can i just shake the wheel to see if it is gone?...btw...My steering gearbox is brand new (remanufactured $150), i shouldnt have to adjust it, should i? I have been fighting with this steering looseness for 5 months. I have replaced all of these things.

Tie Rods (Inner and Outer on both sides)
Ball Joints on both sides
Center Link (draglink or relay rod or whatever)
Idler Arm
Rag Joint
Steering Gearbox
Wheel Bearings on both sides.

Any comments wrench? this is pissing me off .
Haha Thanks.

HalfInchWrench

Shouldn't be any play in it if it's new. Your front end should be really good if it's got all that new stuff.

Leave it on the ground, engine off and have somebody turn the wheel while you watch the steering shaft and pitman arm. Don't have them turn it hard, just the easy turn back and forth. Near impossible for you to do it alone. Gotta have someone turn the wheel back and forth.

gmgod

What about the other adjustment on the box?

ElementsofSpeed

i had someone do it and the input gear on the gear box that connects to the intermediate shaft is turning, but it takes like 10 degrees for it to turn the pitman arm. Should i tighten it down until it is all gone or what? thanks so much

ElementsofSpeed

i just got done tightening the preload adjustment screw on my steering box and now the car handles much much much better. thanks a lot for your help...i just dont hope i have it to tight...although the steering wheel still returns to me when i make a turn. About to go get some tires and get this bad boy aligned. Thanks a lot

HalfInchWrench

Good stuff.

If that box starts getting slack again bring it back if you still have warrenty. You shouldn't have had to do that with a newly rebuilt box.

ElementsofSpeed

yeah, o well...it will probably last atleast a year or two...thats all i need.