Steering play

Just got back from getting my alignment checked and toe in set. The tech mentioned I might have a little much play in the steering wheel.

It's about 3 inches, and I was happy with it. Now I don 't know. All the old jeeps I have driven have had some play in the wheel. I always thought it was a good thing. I have had the wheel snatched from my hand on more than one occaision as the jeep or truck I was driving started to track in a rut. A guy could break his arm that way.

So --- how much play sould be in the wheel?

 

Hmmm. Sounds like I may need to do a little adjustment. I looked at the service manual and the Rebuilder's Guide and am a little confised about how to adjust the play. Any other resources out there that may be helpful, or does anyone here have some tips:? ?

 

???:?

 

I'll jump in here....
Each movement of the wheel should translate into movement somewhere in between there & the wheels. First thing to do is to identify where the play is. Have an assistant turn the wheel back & forth while you peer down into the engine bay, or while lying on your back underneath.

 

Thanks Hippo393. For some reason I cannot read Sparky's posts. Yours is fine.

I have all new tie rods and end and have a rebuild drag link. All of that is tight and has no slop in it. I think the problem is in the Ross box.

Cn you translate Sparky for me? I can only see his avaitar - no words.

 

I have some bug in my system Sparky. Switched to the wife's computer and I see you fine. Guess I'll have to do some electronic trouble shooting as well.

All the tie rods and ends as well as all of the springs and cups in the drag link are new. I have not change the kig pin bearings, but my play seems to be between the wheel and the steering gear box.

 

Well Sparky, I have the computer glitch fixed now. I'll focus on the jeep. Bet you thought I had lost what little mind I had leftR) .

It's time for a

 

having gone through this (like many of us.. )

i suggest that you do as hippo mentioned. a little play at each part or junction adds up to a much bigger amount at the wheel.

there are ross rebuild kits. but i seem to remember in my fsm (section 0-5 page 315) the section on steering gear adjustment. there are two adjustments on the ross box.

since you have new tre's, check to make sure the bellcrank is solid and and has no play.

but i would recommend that you "wiggle" the steering wheel and simply watch as the different pieces move back and forth. paying attention to the "slip" between each piece.

more people will chime in, i am sure.

 

I've got 3 inches of play as well! I thought it was normal...thanks Russo for posting this!!

 

I had several more inches of freeplay than that, changed out the bushing style bellcrank to the "modern" bearing style using a rebuild kit. Now have lees than three inches of freeplay, the remaining is in my Ross.

 

There's a lot of good info in this thread. Thanks guys. I tightened the drag link a little at both ends and made the adjustment Glenn described. She's much better. I may have to pull it down and rebuild the gear box, but that's a next winter project. Shoulda done it while I had the tub off .

Anyone ever pull a Ross box through the floor pan access plates?

 

One other that you may or may not notice is your cross member that your bell crank is mounted to. It can be cracked/rusted/weak, and cause more play in the steering.

 

Good question. I don't think it's possible unless you cut through the floor. In hindsight (which was a whole 2 wks ago) I should have done that because the alternative was lowering the steering box & column from underneath. I mangled up 3 brake lines & a few knuckles in the process of uninstall.

BTW, Krage now has a sector shaft, oil seal, and gasket for the V6 Ross box!! The sector shaft repro did require a teensy bit of shaving w/ a grinder so it'd clear the box throughout its sweep thru the box, but works great. Super tight steering now!