The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Movement in sector shaft

Had the front wheels of my 56 1/2-ton off the ground yesterday to check on a few things. I grabbed the driver side wheel and wiggled it back and forth and found that there is quite a lot of movement in the sector shaft of the steering box where it passes through the frame. This is the splined shaft that the Pitman arm is connected to. It kind of moves back and forth laterally when I wiggle the wheel. Definitely no movement at the tie rod ends or any other connection points but wiggling in the sector shaft. I assume this isn't right. Is this just an adjustment issue or is it time for a rebuild? There is tons of freeplay in my steering by the way. I'm familiar with the adjustment procedure that has been posted by Hotrod Lincoln before. I will be doing that but thought I'd ask about the movement in the shaft to see if it is something major or not.

I would certainly try adjusting the sector shaft before tearing the box apart; however, you mentioned "lateral" movement which to me indicates worn sector shaft bushings.

Exactly. Lateral movement. And looking at an exploded diagram of the steering box, I'd agree that worn sector shaft bushings could be the cause. But I'm going to do the adjustment anyway and see where that gets me. If the condition of my leaf spring bushings is any indication, the sector shaft bushings are probably in a world of hurt.