My 72 Grabber V8 has manual steering.. What kinda slack is NORMAL for that car? I can turn the steering wheel from 12 o'clock to 3 o'clock and not have ANYTHING move. Is that TOOO Much slack? Thanks! Chaz
as little as possible is best, 1/4" to 1/2 is acceptable (think 12 to 12:03) sounds like time for a reman steering box
They are procedures to be taken before turning the slector shaft (top of box) adjustment or you will damage or destroy the gear. The preload on the worm gear needs to be adjusted too (bottom of box behind the pitman arm). http://1bad6t.com/Maverick/repair/steering_03.html
I knew something was wrong my 70 mach1 i had back in 89 was manual steering and it was TIGHT! Thanks Guys! Chaz.
If I located a NOS gear box, you thing it would be OK to use being on the shelf that long, you think the seals would still be good??? Thanks! Chaz.
Rebuilding a steering box is not that difficult and it will be a heck of a lot cheaper than buying a new old stock.
I called NAPA, they said they cant get a kit. I Looked on the internet and couldnt find anyone who had them. I did call Harrys steering gear repair (THANKS RONDO) and he would build me one for $175.00, either i can send him and he will rebuild MINE or he will build one and ill send me a core. REALLY NICE PEOPLE! Chaz.
advance auto can get a reman box FWIW may be just as cheap as having your built by the time you have it shipped
Did you try the adjustment procedure? Maybe it doesn't even need rebuilt. The box in my '70 went 30 years before it even needed adjusted, it's been good for the past 10 years.
I havent tried the adjustment YET. I am taking the Maverick to the front end repair shop and they are going to install an idler arm and a center drag link. and ill have THEM adjust it. If that dont work, im going to have Harrys fix my old one. Chaz.
You're welcome. If you decide to get one rebuilt, I would recommend Harry's based of my dealings with them. I haven't had them rebuild a box, because I built my own. But, he sold me parts and discussed it with me on the phone. Which is WAY MORE than any other shop was willing to do. I agree with bmcdaniel though. I would try adjusting it first.
