Box is dead on tight in the middle of it's travel, smooth from lock to lock, and I've got about 1/8" to 3/16" of play at the end of the pitman at each extreme of travel. The sector bushing is a tiny tiny bit worn, but there is absolutely nothing leaking from the box anywhere...what's my problem? I feel the need to take it apart, but the box is totally normal and usable as is, yes?
Yeah, that's kind of mt point. I know everything checks out as good with this steering box - but I have an urge to tear it apart anyway. Nothing to gain from it and a true waste of time...kind of like this post. Maybe someone can turn this into something useful?
[ QUOTE ] I know everything checks out as good with this steering box - but I have an urge to tear it apart anyway [/ QUOTE ] Ever take apart an Alarm Clock when you were a kid ?
Think about it. They make them tight in the middle so when they wear you can take up the slack and it won't be too tight off centre. You don't want it "tight" as such, (as in extra drag on the steering shaft) just the minimum amount of slop in the pitman at the straight ahead position. The box sounds good to go to me. Mart.
Ya can't fix what isn't broke! But you CAN break what don't need fixing! Center it, adjust it and then leave it alone. Man, I hope you never get your mitts on a VW bug box! You'll pass out cold when you see the end play those things have! Bill
I agree that this doesn't need any help, but if you insist on investigating the slight play, it might actually be in the axle of the roller on the sector shaft. These develop play eventually, and of course said play would be taken up in the tighter middle area. Repro gears, replacement rollers and such are available, but I would be surprised if they are accurate or properly hardened. NOS gears for this (it's a '39 Ford box, yes?) are expensive but pretty available. I think easiest, cheapest cure if roller is sloppy on its axle would be to bush it. Bushings are available in any size you can imagine, so it would be a matter of buying one to fit the shaft and then boring out the roller to fit. This would probably be a reasonable operation even if you have to pay a real machinest since it's so simple. Sounds like a back burner job to look into after all else in your life has been perfected...
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