Posted by chris case/ casebro on Sunday, May 30, 2004 at 9:57AM :
In Reply to: Did that posted by Will (in MI) on Saturday, May 29, 2004 at 9:18PM :
Try jacking it up from the bumper/frame, see how it is with the springs extended. As things sag, geometry changes. I wouldn't find 1/4 turn any problem.
The reason to center the box when assembling is that the gears are cut to be tighter in the center. makes it wander less when going straight. But on a turn, the caster prevents any play, so a little looseness makes for less effort to turn. The gear treeth are also cut on a taper, so you can adjust the freeplay by with the setscrew thats in line with the pitman shaft- do this only when box is centered, to adjust it at it's tightest point. This discussion points out why you should do this adjustment with the drag link unhooked, to be sure and center the box, NOT the linkeage. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN- could be hazardous, and since you make numerous little steering corrections as you drive, a little to tight will tire your arms out faster than you will believe- 1 block erso?