I am checking all the slop in my steering wheel and front end. First, I am checking on and repairing any issues with bearings, linkage, tie rod ends, power steering pump, etc. I will then adjust the nut on top of the steering box. Yet, I am thinking I will also need to have my steering box rebuilt. I assume there are no new ones out there. If so, who do you know that rebuilds them, just in case? 71 Comet GT.
It's not a horrible job to DIY but there are issues that would pop up. If you are handy with tools you can buy the parts, worst thing I ran into was pitting on the sector shaft at the lower bearing. If DIY isn't your thing you can try these guys. http://www.stangerssite.com/GBrebuilding.html
As long as it hasn't been full of water, P/S boxes rarely need rebuilt. Serviced, resealed, adj yes. As often as not, manual boxes are badly worn. Probably more aggravation pulling it out of car than resealing & adj. If there's no pitting on main shaft lower bearing area, or teeth mesh clean er up and replace shaft seal. At point steering shaft enters, there's a huge "ring" nut that locks preload adj, should also be a seal in adj assembly. Adj preload on steering input, reinstall pitman arm shaft. This is critical, a tooth off and it'll never fully turn in one direction. Load'er up with grease, install top cover and set pitman arm preload. (Adj on top of box). No this doesn't address the ball bearings on worm, if worm shaft is rough, lost cause. Otherwise, after first one I serviced, I haven't disassembled worm shaft/bearing assembly.
Rode's Restorations in Galion, Ohio. (Google it) They have done all my cars. They have a booth at the Columbus, Ohio All Ford Swap Meets if you go.
