Steering Box Question

[JTenn]

On my last off roading adventure a few weeks ago my truck took a side impact on the driver side front axle with the wheels turned. Nothing horrible but but was enough to knock the steering wheel on a 45 degree angle. I assume the tie rod somehow managed to jump a thread and I corrected it after the ride that evening. No big deal and I made sure to tighten the clamp with a couple more ooomphs this time. Since then I have noticed a definite feeling of what I would describe as less steering feedback or more free play in the steering wheel. The truck still tracks straight as an arrow with no shimmies, shakes or weird vibrations. Just a slight wander that requires more input from the driver. I've been chasing this down over the last couple weeks to the point, I've completely removed the entire steering components all the way back to the pitman arm. While all the Rock Jock components were out I lubed and checked all the ball joints. All good there. Still has the wandering feeling. So the last thing it could be is the steering box but I wanted to verify all other components first. I am at the conclusion that the impact made it all the way back to the steering box and tweaked the gear mesh a bit. I spent a great amount of time here reading through threads about the adjustment on the steering box. I made the adjustment today and moved the set screw a 1/4 turn. The test drive felt fine but I thought all the other stuff I did felt better until I drove for a while. Anyway, 2 questions:
1) how much adjustment is too much?
2) what exactly is the set screw applying pressure too?
I can't find a diagram of how our steering box is assembled in order to understand how a recirculating ball (I think) steering gear works. Sorry for the long post but wanted to give the background info.

Sponsored

 

[Renegade]

The sector shaft. This is an old diagram, but the concept is the same.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

On my last off roading adventure a few weeks ago my truck took a side impact on the driver side front axle with the wheels turned. Nothing horrible but but was enough to knock the steering wheel on a 45 degree angle. I assume the tie rod somehow managed to jump a thread and I corrected it after the ride that evening. No big deal and I made sure to tighten the clamp with a couple more ooomphs this time. Since then I have noticed a definite feeling of what I would describe as less steering feedback or more free play in the steering wheel. The truck still tracks straight as an arrow with no shimmies, shakes or weird vibrations. Just a slight wander that requires more input from the driver. I've been chasing this down over the last couple weeks to the point, I've completely removed the entire steering components all the way back to the pitman arm. While all the Rock Jock components were out I lubed and checked all the ball joints. All good there. Still has the wandering feeling. So the last thing it could be is the steering box but I wanted to verify all other components first. I am at the conclusion that the impact made it all the way back to the steering box and tweaked the gear mesh a bit. I spent a great amount of time here reading through threads about the adjustment on the steering box. I made the adjustment today and moved the set screw a 1/4 turn. The test drive felt fine but I thought all the other stuff I did felt better until I drove for a while. Anyway, 2 questions:
1) how much adjustment is too much?
2) what exactly is the set screw applying pressure too?
I can't find a diagram of how our steering box is assembled in order to understand how a recirculating ball (I think) steering gear works. Sorry for the long post but wanted to give the background info.

It sets a preload on the pitman shaft. I've rebuilt a few manual versions. The preload is measured in inch/pounds on the bench.

This shows it on the side which is weird but it shows the part -

I've got the specs for earlier versions and a better breakdown that tells how to properly adjust things.

You'll know if it's too tight. If it gets hot it may be difficult to turn.

If an impact changed anything about the steering gear - it's likely trash. There's no adjustment that will take care of an issue caused by accident or impact or whatever.
It may have been loose to begin with, but a smack won't result in something to be fixed by the turn of a screw. If you took play out, it was there all along.

 

[JTenn]

It sets a preload on the pitman shaft. I've rebuilt a few manual versions. The preload is measured in inch/pounds on the bench.

This shows it on the side which is weird but it shows the part -

I've got the specs for earlier versions and a better breakdown that tells how to properly adjust things.

You'll know if it's too tight. If it gets hot it may be difficult to turn.

If an impact changed anything about the steering gear - it's likely trash. There's no adjustment that will take care of an issue caused by accident or impact or whatever.
It may have been loose to begin with, but a smack won't result in something to be fixed by the turn of a screw. If you took play out, it was there all along.

Thanks for the reply and I agree. I'm 100% positive it wasn't loose before. That's how I noticed it didn't "feel" the same. I also have the luxury of having a second JT to drive and compare, and what used to be identical between the 2 was no longer the case. As of now, after the adjustment, it feels back to normal but a few more miles will tell the truth. I am positive the adjustment removed some steering wheel play and the return to center is good. Thanks for the diagram. It explains alot.

 

[Lunentucker]

This won't undo any internal damage you may have incurred, but it's good to have on there with the old box or with a new one if needed.

https://metalcloak.com/sector-shaft-brace-jl-wrangler-jt-gladiator.html

 

[JTenn]

This won't undo any internal damage you may have incurred, but it's good to have on there with the old bow or with a new one if needed.

https://metalcloak.com/sector-shaft-brace-jl-wrangler-jt-gladiator.html

I've been looking at these as well. I like the idea of additional support.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I've been looking at these as well. I like the idea of additional support.

I don't see it as a need with a stock truck, but wider/bigger tires, especially with any lowered inflation like in the rocks, it's a lot of stress on that pitman.
I noticed with the snow plow on mine, it takes effort to get the tires turned when sitting still, I can imagine what it's like on other vehicles with bigger tires and more stress on those parts.

Sponsored