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Steering Box Question (need help)

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Posterchild37, Jun 9, 2007.

  1. Posterchild37
    Joined: Jan 12, 2006
    Posts: 114

    Posterchild37
    Member
    from Michigan

    I am using a s-10 manual steering box right now problem is you can turn the steering box from the steering wheel and from the wheels on the car. So basically you and turn this steering box from the input shaft and the output shaft, on the road this creates a little bit of wobble at low speeds. My question is what boxes do people use for side steer setups that can only be turned from the input shaft on the steering box, i just like having that stability. I have a model a box that you can only turn from the input shaft but it wont work because its backwards. Do the early mustangs only turn from the input shaft side.
     
  2. Unkl Ian
    Joined: Mar 29, 2001
    Posts: 13,509

    Unkl Ian

    Start with the basics.

    How much Caster are you running ?
    What is the Toe set at ?

    Bias ply tires ?
    What pressure ?
     
  3. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 60,043

    squirrel
    Member

    steering boxes have a ratio of around 12:1 to 20:1, and if you pull hard enough on the wheels, you'll be able to turn any of them by the output shaft.

    your problem is NOT in choice of steering box.
     
  4. yekoms
    Joined: Jan 21, 2007
    Posts: 1,088

    yekoms
    Member

    Yep, Like the other guys are sayin'. The problem is not because of the "S-10" box. Unless the box is worn out.
     
  5. HemiRambler
    Joined: Aug 26, 2005
    Posts: 4,207

    HemiRambler
    Member

    I'll echo what everyone has already told you - it's not the box. Modern boxes use a "recirculating ball nut" bascially a very efficient worm and sector arrangement - the result is that they are very efficient - meaning they don't resist "backdriving" like the ancient boxes of yesteryear. This also makes them wear better and turn easier.
    Just to be certain though - check your box out - there should be no funny side movement, it should feel VERY smooth through it's motion, should be "tight" in terms of backlash in all positions. Once you verify it is "good" start with the rest of the system - as suggested.
     
  6. Posterchild37
    Joined: Jan 12, 2006
    Posts: 114

    Posterchild37
    Member
    from Michigan

    Bias ply in the front model a 21inch wheels with 23 psi in them. Caster is about 5 degrees and the toe is set about dead flat meaning tires are both pointing as straight as possible..... Should they be towed in out ? I only get this slight shake at very low speeds and slowing down every once in awhile but if i give the steering wheel a jerk it goes away almost like steering out of it. My box is very tight with no play i just adjusted it with an adjustment screw. Anything else that can help me?
     
  7. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 60,043

    squirrel
    Member

    a bit of toe in is usually needed, under load the tires spread out a bit so they go straight down the road. try 3/16" for starters
     
  8. pasadenahotrod
    Joined: Feb 13, 2007
    Posts: 11,772

    pasadenahotrod
    Member
    from Texas

    First of all, any correct adjustment of any steering box is done with the pitman arm disconnected from the drag link OR dropped from the pitman shaft(you call it output shaft). Find a copy of the factory adjustment ritual and follow it carefully. This will give you the best possible adjustment.
    Adjusting a steering box by blindly turning the adjustment screw until it "feels right or better" is not right and only serves to accelerate the wear of the gears.
    Cars only have to do 2 things right to save you, one is STEER, the other is STOP.

    Improper adjustment and NO adjustment of steering boxes is what kills them. A correctly and periodically adjusted steering box will last virtually forever if lubrication is always present.
     
  9. Unkl Ian
    Joined: Mar 29, 2001
    Posts: 13,509

    Unkl Ian

    A small amount of Toe In is usually good.

    Is the tie rod on front or behind the axle ?
    New tie rod ends ?

    Socal sells a steering damper,the same ones the VW guys run,
    but with a cool sticker to justify the larger price tag.I'd try one of them before changing boxes.

    IIRC,steering boxes are supposed to be adjusted JUST slightly tight
    in the center.They will wear more in the middle,and are machined to compensate.
     
  10. Unkl Ian
    Joined: Mar 29, 2001
    Posts: 13,509

    Unkl Ian

    How are you measuring Toe,when you say "as straight as possible" ?
     
  11. Posterchild37
    Joined: Jan 12, 2006
    Posts: 114

    Posterchild37
    Member
    from Michigan

    thanks for all the help guys i really appreciate it

    ill post more tomrrow after some adjustments and such

    will post pics too if i need more help
     

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