John- This is quoted from oldchevys.org..."There are two adjustments,(steering-box),the worm bearing tension,and the mesh adjustment." "Jack truck up,so wheels/steering may turn freely". "Safety First!" (You know)."Jackstands." O.K. "The worm bearings are adjusted by loosening the big lock nut,then turning the bearing housing". "On '59 and older trucks,this adjustment is at the bottom/front of the box". "Usually a hammer and a blunt punch will loosen the lock-nut". "The bearing should be adjusted to get a few inch-pounds of drag,on the worm gear,(steering wheel), but you can adjust it by tightening,to remove the play,then tighten just a little bit(?) farther,and tighten the locknut securely." "Then,adjust the gear-mesh" ."This adjustment is a slotted screw,with a 5/8" hex locknut". "Get the steering centered,(wheels straight),and loosen the locknut". "Gradually tighten the adjusting screw clockwise,while frequently checking steering play". "This is done by turning the steering wheel back and forth a turn or two". "Make sure wheels and steering-wheel are centered when adjusting". "Eventually,you will take up the slack,un-less gears/bushings are REALLY worn,in which case,the adjusting screw will go all the way into the box" "(NOT GOOD").Ya think?(L.O.L.) "Tighten until all the slack is removed,then add a 1/2-turn of pre-load to it."If adjusted correctly,you should feel the steering get just a little bit harder as you pass through the center of the steering wheel's travel". "Tighten the locknut securely,and enjoy the new feel of driving your truck".You need STEERING-gear lube? Part # (G.M.)1052182"Oil is too thin,and will leak-out.Grease is too thick and won't properly lubricate the recirculating balls." "This is the RIGHT STUFF,for your steering-gear-box." Hope this helps. Good-Luck!! Thank-You goes to the author, Jim Forbes. I just copied his article.(
www.chevy/trucks.org/tech/steering_box_adjust.htm)
