We have discussions about steering gear adjustment frequently here...in fact as I recall there were questions a couple of weeks ago. Most of you have read the shop manual and you've seen the explanation of gently turning the steering wheel from one stop to the other, counting the turns and then going back halfway. And because of some questions over the years it seems to me that procedure leaves some folks not getting things quite right. And in this case degrees do matter. We want the ball nut and sector gear mated correctly when they're adjusted or the adjustment won't be right.
So here is another way to check...in my opinion a quicker and easier way. Don't expect to find this in the shop manual. It isn't there, but I think it ought to be. I suspect some of you folks have learned this on your own but I'll repeat it anyhow. If you look at the pitman arm (around where the retaining nut is) you'll see two diametrically opposed marks. You can see those in the first and second images below. Then please look at the third image. When the pitman arm is positioned correctly, the two diametrically opposed marks will form a perpendicular with the bolt channel of the steering gear box (which simultaneously will be in line with the steering column and the worm gear). If your inner fender piece is in place you will need to "imagine" that line formed by the channel. That bolt channel is shown by the red arrow point. When you have this perpendicular relationship established, your ball nut and sector gear will be in correct alignment and you can adjust the sector gear at that time. I usually just have somebody gently turn the steering wheel until I see the perpendicular relationship, remove the wheel and install it as it should be.
Hope it is helpful.
~ Jon 1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
