I have installed new bearings in a 54 3100 steering box for a friend. After reassembly I get 2-3/8 turns to the left and 2 turns to the right. That is sitting on the bench. The sector shaft is centered on the worm gear. This truck has been sitting for ages and he has not memory of how it was and I failed to check that detail before disassembling. Any suggestions from the more experienced crowd? Thanks.
Do it right the first time! 1964-1/2 Mustang Coupe 1969 Mustang Mach 1 1954 Chevy 3100 1/2 Ton
If these links works correctly it will take you to Brad Allen's page and the Old Online Manuals site , both have the Instructions for rebuilding the steering box. I replaced the bronze bushings in mine along with the gaskets but no knowledge beyond that and setting the backlash. These manuals should provide some guidance.
Ron - - Dusty53 1954 Chevy 3604 In the Gallery Forum "You can't dance with the Devil and then wonder why you're still in Hell." "They will forget what you've said, and they will forget what you have done but they will never forget the way you made them feel."
You can use an inch-pound torque wrench (I prefer the old pointer style) to determine your bearing load and once that's done you can pinpoint your high center spot (sector/worm). You can also count turns and divide by two but I prefer the torque wrench. Takes any guesswork right out of it. When you approach high center, you'll see the torque wrench needle start to move and then at high center it will usually increase by about 10 inch pounds if all is good. Good luck!
~ Jon 1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
The extra 3/8 turn may not be an issue once in the truck. The spindles should hit the axle stops before the gear box hits it's internal stops. If you have the gears centered, which it looks like you do, when properly adjusted the tight spot should be about center ( 2 turns each way). I would use the tight center as a gauge, and not where it stops. Once on the truck, verify the axle stops are even and the steering wheel is in the center position. If it doesn't drive straight with the wheel correctly centered, find out whats wrong with the linkage, DON'T move the steering wheel.
Joe, I am kicking myself in the butt for not checking the steering box turns before I took the box apart. I’m not a rookie mechanic but that was a rookie mistake. I pulled everything out of the box just to double check my work and all seems right so I’m going to reassemble it and put it back on the frame and see what we have. This is a total restoration project. Thanks for your help! Phil
Do it right the first time! 1964-1/2 Mustang Coupe 1969 Mustang Mach 1 1954 Chevy 3100 1/2 Ton
Phil, there's no wrong way to put the nut on the worm shaft with the balls. You just need to install the steering wheel after finding the center position after everything is assembled.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
Thanks for the reassurance Kevin. I have been over and over this in my head and reviewed the book and the box and that’s the conclusion I have come to. It helps to hear it from someone else!
Do it right the first time! 1964-1/2 Mustang Coupe 1969 Mustang Mach 1 1954 Chevy 3100 1/2 Ton
