Steering box adjuster - allen key adjuster stuck?

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someotherguy

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I see RichLo already got you started down the correct path of not just turning that one adjustment on the box. Reason behind it is that's only half the adjustment; there's definitely more to it and it's a bit involved. I've got some quickie scans from the factory service manual but will take some time to dig 'em up, I will warn you though that most people see what it takes and say "screw it" (including me, lol) - and the truth of the matter is, once you've got a ton of miles on the steering box, even proper adjustment procedure may not help. If it's worn, it's worn. And rebuilt boxes often suck.

But long story short, this is mostly just a "yeah he's right, don't just turn that screw as it will pretty much lead to accelerated wear" is my point.

Richard
 

Supercharged111

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Parts store rebuilt boxes suck because they reuse the old gear and just slap new seals in. They're just as wallered out as what you pulled but don't leak.
 

toomanyhobbies

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I got the steel donut from unbalanced engineering and replaced the rag joint with the metal piece. That and redhead box really helped. Also did full urethane ebay front end kit.


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Supercharged111

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I got the steel donut from unbalanced engineering and replaced the rag joint with the metal piece. That and redhead box really helped. Also did full urethane ebay front end kit.


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Motherfvcker that bolted in? I have one in my Camaro and was wondering if that'd fit. Did you get the Camaro piece?
 

toomanyhobbies

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“Bolted in” is a generous statement. It was a ginormous ***** to drill out the rivets without a drill press or even a proper bench vice. I cut them with a cut off wheel after drilling because there isn’t much meat on the two pieces that hold the donut and I didn’t want to make the holes bigger.

I ordered two of them because I remember my research indicated ‘98 was a changeover year from large to small. I can go back in my records and see what the other one I bought was and which one I used but I am pretty sure it was the unbalanced one (smaller of the two). Let me know.

Getting the steering feel just right after the gmt800 hydro swap/rear disk swap has been an ongoing challenge. I am hoping I am close to the end. I’ve thrown more money and time at the problem than I care to think about.




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Supercharged111

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Are you sure 97 wasn't the break? That's when the trucks went to the variable assist. Midyear diff seals changed, I believe the thermal actuator went away, fuel tanks/senders changed, different PCM, radio, airbag, etc.
 

toomanyhobbies

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I am not. And I can only find the invoice for the unbalanced one. It was the smaller of the two I do know that.


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Supercharged111

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I've held onto the half of rag joint shell I pulled from my 1500 when I did the rag joint in hopes of the UE piece fitting. Good to know it's still an option.
 
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