Question Steering Gear

[RGL38]

My 2000 F-250 7.3 Xtra cab with 1001000 Mi. has a loose stearing gear. I have replaced all worn parts in the front end except the stearing gear. Can the gear be adjusted?
Thanks

 

[DaveBen]

Yes it can be adjusted. There is a bolt with a lock nut, on top of the box. Loosed the nut and turn the bolt down to tighten the steering. When you get the desired amount of play (like none), tighten the nut. Go easy, maybe a half a turn and check it, repeat as necessary.

Dave

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Just a week ago or so, I adjusted mine.

Look at the top of the steering box and you'll see a bolt with a jam nut on it. The adjuster bolt has a allen wrench hex slot in it.

This is how I adjusted mine:

I loosened the jam nut about 3 turns.

Then I screwed the hex bolt in or cw until I felt a slight increase in resitance. For me it was about 1 1/2 turns. (The reason I loosened the jam nut so far was so I'd be sure to feel the hex bolt meeting resistance and not the jam nut bottoming out.) When the hex bolt started to feel like it was resisting, I backed it off about 1/8 turn just to ensure it wasn't over tightened.

My steering wheel freeplay went from about 2" to about 1/2". I might tweek it a tad more to get that last 1/2" out.

 

[RGL38]

Dave Ben and Tailgunner,
I tried to ask another question and I may have screed it up so I will try again. First thanks for the git back. Now for my question; There seems to be a grey area as to how much the adjusting screw should be turned in. Is it possible to adjust all the slack out of the steering wheel and is there something to watch for as a signal you have gone too far? I am planning to make a trip across country soon and I don't want to fight the steering and I for sure don't want to have to crawl under the truck in the middle of Kansas with the kind of heat they are noted for.
RGL

 

[DaveBen]

How much to adjust your steering box??? Re-read TG's reply and you should be just fine. No binding should be allowed. Back off a little if it does bind. Ok?

Dave

 

[RGL38]

Here is what I did. I loosened the lock nut while holding the adjusting screw with the allen wrench. I turned the screw in about 1/4 turn and tightned the locking nut while holding the adjusting screw. I then jacked the front end and with the engine running I checked for any roughness. All was well, so I drove it and it had all but about 1/2 inch of play removed. Great, so I did the same procedure again and this time I turned the screw about 1/8 turn. No roughness so I drove it and it was great. Pretty close to what it felt like when new in 2000.
Thanks to all,
RGL

 

[NevrKnow]

Did the same to mine this afternoon. Thanks TG!

Worked like a charm for me.

 

[RGL38]

steering gear replacement

I made the trip from WV through CO and it was a beautiful trip. However the steering on the F-250 wasn't right so I am going to replace the steering gear. Are there any pitfalls I should be watching for?
Thanks guys,
Ralph

 

[sagebel]

I had a difficult time getting the correct box. Apparently the boxes changed right about when my truck was built (2000). If you get a new box and the pitman arm will not line up correctly, you may need the other version.

Scott

 

[mspainting]

I tried to adjust mine but it would not take the play out Does anyone hae any other suggestions