Steering Box Preload Adjustment

[Steve83]

This applies to all Ford truck (& many car) steering gear boxes used from the mid '70s to the '00s.



1. Disconnect the pitman arm from the sector shaft using a Pitman Arm Puller (Tool T64P-3590-F).

2. Disconnect the fluid return line at the reservoir and cap the reservoir return line nipple to retain the fluid in the reservoir.

3. Place the end of the return line in a suitable container and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop several times to discharge the fluid from the gear. Discard the fluid.

4. Turn the steering wheel to the right stop, then back left 45 degrees.

5. Attach an inch-pound torque wrench to the steering wheel nut and determine the torque required to rotate the shaft slowly approximately one-eighth turn (45°) toward center from the initial 45 degree position. Note this first value.

6. Turn the steering gear back to center and determine the torque required to rotate the shaft back and forth across the center position (± 90°). Compare the center value to the first value, using the following criteria:
* Vehicles with less than 5,000 miles (8046 Km):
If total meshload over mechanical center is less than 15 in-lb (1.7 Nm) or greater than 24 in-lb (2.7 Nm), RESET to first value PLUS 11-15 in-lb (1.2-1.7 Nm).
* Vehicles with more than 5,000 miles (8046 Km), or with new sector shaft:
If meshload over mechanical center is NOT 7 in-lb (0.8 Nm) GREATER than the first value, RESET to 10-14 in-lb (1.13-1.6 Nm) GREATER than first value.

7. If reset is required, loosen the adjuster locknut and turn the sector shaft adjuster screw until the reading is the specified value greater than the torque at 45 degrees from the stop. Hold the sector shaft screw in place, and tighten the locknut.

8. Re-check torque readings and replace the pitman arm and steering wheel hub cover.

9. Connect the fluid return line to the reservoir and fill the reservoir to specification with the specified fluid. Check belt tension & adjust if necessary.

Do not pry against the reservoir to obtain proper belt load. Pressure will deform the reservoir and cause it to leak.

BEFORE POSTING IN ANY TECH WRITEUP THREAD, read this post.

[MuddyBronco13]

do you so happen to use Mitchell guides online?

[waltman]

Nice write up Steve. Consider that noted, thanks.

[Steve83]

Originally Posted by MuddyBronco13

do you so happen to use Mitchell guides online?

No. Mitchell & I both use this.

[MuddyBronco13]

gotcha, i use mitchell at work and access it at home as well, its a nice thing to have

[bronco boy]

Originally Posted by MuddyBronco13

gotcha, i use mitchell at work and access it at home as well, its a nice thing to have

I just got a version of AllData, and it puts my old Mitchells' to shame.

[brutus84]

where do you get one of these mitchell's and what is it exactly?

[bronco boy]

Originally Posted by brutus84

where do you get one of these mitchell's and what is it exactly?

They are cracked non-legal versions. Available on the internet of from the guy standing on a street corner.