I've always heard you can reduce the steering play with an adjustment at the steering gear box. True? How? What grease is recommended for the gear box?
There are two ways to remove the play in the steering gear. The first is the screw with the locknut on the top of the box. Turn the wheels to the left or right, and turn the screw until the play is removed. Do not tighten the screw! tighten the locknut. The second place is the bottom of the gearbox housing. The four bolt holes are slotted, and allow the housing to be turned left and right. Turn the housing until the play is removed.
There is an adjustment on the box but have you checked the linkage to make sure that your only play is in the box? Tie rod ends, idler arms and wheel bearings can all contribute to a sloppy steering system. I'd save the box adjustment for last. If you've checked all of these and replaced any worn pieces then get a reprint of the shop manual. It should have the procedure for the adjustment.
The Jalopy Journal
