The Ford Barn

Rustygt · 12-18-2020, 02:52 AM

The steering seems to “Hold” not easily return on some left or right turns.
It is a stock 40 pick up box, is there an adjustment to ease the bind on the box ?
Thanks Barney’s

Mart · 12-18-2020, 04:17 AM

You need to investigate this yourself as it is impossible to sit here at my keyboard and say what is wrong.

If it were me, with the front on axle stands under the axle, I would ask an assistant to turn the wheel while observing the spindles, tie rod and drag link. Look for what seems to be the sticking point.

Look carefully at both kingpins.
look for the tie rod running.
Look for the drag link rubbing.
Look for tight tie rod ends.

If nothing seems obvious, disconnect the drag link.

Swing the road wheels from side to side, to see if anything is binding.

Turn the steering box from side to side to see if it is binding.

Lets say you can feel some binding in the steering box.

Undo the 3/4" cap nut over the adjuster. Loosen the adjuster exactly one turn.

Does it still bind?

If no, then the pitman shaft adjustment was too tight.

If yes, then slacken the four bolts that hold the worm lower bearing in place one turn each.

Did it free up?

If yes you need to add a shim on the lower bearing plate.

If no, something is wrong with the steering box. It might be full of rust for example.

Regardless of any of the above, if you are unsure of the condition of the steering box it would be a good idea to remove the lid and give it a good close visual inspection.

Is the roller in good condition with no galling on the surfaces? Is the worm surface all pitted up? Is there a chunk out of either?

Problems in either of those parts can cause it to catch while passing back from lock to straight.

The steering box is normally tight at the straight ahead position and looser the closer you get to each lock.

If it wears in the straight ahead position too much and you adjust this play out, it can go tight away from the central position as it moves from a worn area to an unworn area.

I showed my method of setting the adjustment on a steering box in a recent video. Check that out. It might help.

Link: https://youtu.be/fUCU3AKpEVg

Hopefully armed with the above you should be able to find what is wrong.

big deuce · 09-25-2021, 10:40 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Excellent video, really helped me with the F1 gear box demonstration!

12-18-2020, 02:52 AM	#1
Rustygt Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2020 Posts: 4	Adjust steering 40 pick up The steering seems to “Hold” not easily return on some left or right turns. It is a stock 40 pick up box, is there an adjustment to ease the bind on the box ? Thanks Barney’s

12-18-2020, 04:17 AM	#2
Mart Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Solihull, England. Posts: 8,747	Re: Adjust steering 40 pick up You need to investigate this yourself as it is impossible to sit here at my keyboard and say what is wrong. If it were me, with the front on axle stands under the axle, I would ask an assistant to turn the wheel while observing the spindles, tie rod and drag link. Look for what seems to be the sticking point. Look carefully at both kingpins. look for the tie rod running. Look for the drag link rubbing. Look for tight tie rod ends. If nothing seems obvious, disconnect the drag link. Swing the road wheels from side to side, to see if anything is binding. Turn the steering box from side to side to see if it is binding. Lets say you can feel some binding in the steering box. Undo the 3/4" cap nut over the adjuster. Loosen the adjuster exactly one turn. Does it still bind? If no, then the pitman shaft adjustment was too tight. If yes, then slacken the four bolts that hold the worm lower bearing in place one turn each. Did it free up? If yes you need to add a shim on the lower bearing plate. If no, something is wrong with the steering box. It might be full of rust for example. Regardless of any of the above, if you are unsure of the condition of the steering box it would be a good idea to remove the lid and give it a good close visual inspection. Is the roller in good condition with no galling on the surfaces? Is the worm surface all pitted up? Is there a chunk out of either? Problems in either of those parts can cause it to catch while passing back from lock to straight. The steering box is normally tight at the straight ahead position and looser the closer you get to each lock. If it wears in the straight ahead position too much and you adjust this play out, it can go tight away from the central position as it moves from a worn area to an unworn area. I showed my method of setting the adjustment on a steering box in a recent video. Check that out. It might help. Link: https://youtu.be/fUCU3AKpEVg Hopefully armed with the above you should be able to find what is wrong.

09-25-2021, 10:40 PM	#3
big deuce Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 398	Re: Adjust steering 40 pick up Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Excellent video, really helped me with the F1 gear box demonstration!