I'm installing the jeep steering box on my '70. I count 3 1/2 turns of the steering wheel from lock to lock. I assume that should give me 1 3/4 turns in each direction (from center). But, I count 2 turns to the passenger side and 1 1/2 turns to the drivers side. Should'nt it be equal in both directions?

Skip

Hi,
The steering linkage may not be adjusted prorperly causing the pitman arm to be off center when the wheels are straight. With the pitman arm off center you can adjust the tie rods to point the wheels forward even when the steering gear is not centered! This is generally done by poor alignment technicians wo are lazy. To correct it you would want to disconnect the gear box from the steering linkage and find the true center of the gearbox. This is also the "tight spot" on the internal gear clearance. Then, readjust each side tie rod -to- tie rod to point the tire forward. Then repeat for the other side. From this point the toe in adjustments can be made. Check out a factory service manual. They give a detailed procedure to find the gearbox center with a torque measurement. This is more critical with a power steering gearbox so that the power assist is not stealing/wasting more power when going straight forward because the gearbox it actually turned some angle from straight. ZK

Thanks ZK,
I think I will disconnect everything and start from scratch. I also noticed that my steering wheel did'nt seem to be centered when the wheels were pointing straight. I'll first try and get my gearbox at true center and then the steering wheel also. Then, I'll adjust the tie rods back into the drag link to get the wheels straight. Does that sound correct?

Skip

I think that you might find this paper to be valuable in centering your steering system.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/05/StrgSystemCenteringChevelleRev19MY06.doc

JIML82

Great info Jim! Thanks very much.

Skip

Great article! ZK

Steering gears have the teeth ground with what is called a "Hi-Center". Idea is that the teeth are meshing tightest straight ahead, play is OK when off center as you are holding it to one side, centeredt you want minimul play in the gears. To get there I would disconect linkage, count the turns lock to lock (as you have) then find center. Try to center the steering wheel with the spline conection of the steering columb. then point the wheels straight ahead and adjust lingage until it fits, then adjust toe in, then test drive and fine tune the center of the steering wheel