The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Tool for adjusting steering on 1950 3100

With the steering box in the truck it is difficult to get to the large nut (worm bearing adjuster) on the end, Is there a specific tool still available that i can purchase to get at it?

a punch and small hammer work great if you can't find a stamped steel wrench to fit.

Are you sure you need to mess with that adjustment?
That adjustment should not need readjustment once set.

Dave wanders all over the rd and the steering has alot of play in it, everything else is new shop manual says you need to adjust in both spots to get The pay out. It is this weekends project. Last thing to do before i order my rims and tiress.

I work on a lot of steering boxes and that adjustment is unlikely to be the problem.
Have you checked or replaced the pitman shaft bushings?
I assume you have looked at the king pins and tie rod ends.
Most play can be removed from a steering box, if the bushings are good, by the adjuster on the side cover.
Wandering all over the road is commonly caused by toe-out.

What size tires and wheels are on it currently? Tires that are too wide for the wheels will also cause road wander, especially if they're underinflated.

Currently everything is stock with regards to the rims and tires, it is lowered with sids drop axle 4". The wander is the same before and after the drop, king pins and tie rods, steering arm are all new as well. Everything i have read in multiple posts sounds like an adjustment is what i need. Im confused on the pitman shaft bushings as this is the first i have heard or seen a post on them? How do you check and replace these if i find that is the issue? So are you saying i can do one adjustment with out the other? in regards to the steps in the shop manual? All help is appreciated. Thanks Steve

What you want to check is how much fore and aft movement you see in the pitman shaft when someone rocks the steering wheel back and forth. If the bushings are bad or there is wear on the shaft or both the shaft will move.
You should look at this Overhauling the truck steering gear link.
And yes to your question, all adjustments are not needed.

Thanks I will check this weekend, if my memory serves me correct i think that is fine. I wiill post over the weekend as to the results i got. Steve

FINALLY got around to making the adjustment took 2-1/2 turns in to get to 2-1/2lbs of tension. We will see after we drive it a bit this weekend. Thanks All!!!!