Steering gear mod...

Frank and I did a mod on my steering gear that might just save you all a real hassle. We put a zerk fitting on the gear, and greased up the gear the way it is supposed to be. It is like driving a new car. Here is a description.
We removed the inspection/adjustment plate. This plate is on top, has the preload adjuster on it, and held on with 3 bolts (see pic). Be sure to run the adjuster down as far as it will go, so the bolts will back out. Run the adj. screw out of the plate. With a 21/64' drill bit, drill the hole between the lower right hand screw and the adj. nut. With a 1/8" tap, tap the hole, and put in a 1/8" zerk fitting. Reinstall the plate, and put as much grease (waterproof, hi pressure and hi temp) as the gear will hold. When full, grease will come out of the vent at the top of the gear. I think this will save your gear if it is new or rebuilt, and can help an old one like mine. Adjust the preload for minimal steering wheel play, and tighten the 5/8" nut to lock the adjustment in. That's it. I have included a few pics with the before and after shots of the plates.

 

Lousy computer won't work with attachments........again! I'll get the pics up if I can get it fixed.

 

I've also heard that if you just pull one of the bolts & pour a little gear oil in there, you get similar results...

 

Earl. if need be, e-mail me the pics and I'll upload them for you. I can use a program and compress 'em so that don't up as much disk space, too.

 

Thanks Terry. I'll send them up in a bit.

 

Folks; here are the pics of the steering gear mod Frank and I did. Hope someone uses it, as I think it will save a gear and a lot of hassle. eb

 

When you say "Adjust the preload for minimal steering wheel play.." where do you start from? Is the adjustment bolt supposed to be turned down all the way and you back it up to adjust?

 

Jerry; if you have play in the wheel, loosen the 5/8" nut, and using a big screwdriver, screw the adjustment down, and move the wheel back and forth. This will take the slack out. Adjust the screw down until there is no play in the gear. Be sure to fill up the gear with grease, and it should be ok. Hope this helps.

 

Sounds like a great idea Earl. I will try that.

Thanks, Mike

 

Wow this post is old. I remember reading this the night before I registered here.

 

A special topic from a "Special" member

 

It may be old but I'm gona do it as soon as I get a steering gear...

 

dang. You DID get a "shell" didn't you!

Somebody be a and help this guy out.


Good info though. A great post to revive.

 

I got my steering gear box from fastfords(Chuck) the other day and last night did the zerk thing...can't wait to try it.

 

Need pictures for the zerk fitting

I couldn't find any pictures of this steering box mod. Where is the link for these pictures?