steering issue

[hoovers71]

the po had a shop put on a new/rebuilt ps box from Napa. Now the issue is it won't turn as far to the left as the right, maybe 1/3 less.

Do I need to pull the pitman arm and recenter it on the shaft a few splines to the left? How do I go about this?

my thoughts are: put the wheels straight, pull mark the pitman arm and shaft, if the steering wheel is slightly off skew to the right, recenter it, put the pitman arm back on, it should be a spline or two, maybe three to the left. Is this correct thinking?

I doubt it is the box, but maybe it was built incorrectly. Are there many failed boxes like this?

TIA

[Wrenchbender Ret]

You cant do that. It is indexed. Count the turns side to side & put it in the center. Look at the tie rods & see if the inner tie rod ends are in the same relation ship to the frame rails. If so the tie rods need to be adjusted to center the wheels & set the toe in.

[hoovers71]

I seem to recall that. I swapped in ps in an old bronco I had. It lined up and just worked.

Why would it be different with a new box? How would the tie rods come out of adjustment? It is aligned to my knowledge. Believe it or not, it is parked in a my grandpas garage, and he has an old alignment tool that you drive over. It is parked over that, and it is dead on.

[Rufton]

The PA may clock at 0, +90, -90, 180 degrees if it has 4 indexing slots.

[SS Tim]

Fist off you would have done better by telling people what you have. In this case a 71 K1500. The 4x4 steering is different from the 4x2. Probably the first thing to do is take a hard look at it and see if it has been modified with an arm or a block at some time. Might just need an adjustable link to center everything up. Remmeber just because the tires are aligned relative to each other (and hopefully the vehicle centerline) if the steering was not centered it needs to be redone. You seem to have a lot of questions about your truck and little background. It would be a good idea if you do not have the factory manuals to get them. They can be downloaded here. Some are GMC most are Chevy but they will be helpful.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=558016

It might be helpful to also get a good picture of the left front axle and steering with the wheel off.

[Rufton]

If your PA has 4 equal indexing slots I would get a loaner PA puller tool from local parts store. Drop PA and index at closest 90 degree clocking.

[ezstriper]

pulling pitman will not solve this...it's a 1/4 turn for each slot..so that is not the issue, assuming the box is correct, some boxes have internal stops inside(IROC) for one, check the flex coupling, they may have driven that down way off even with the master spline...did they change the coupling ? what box did they install ?

[Rufton]

Originally Posted by hoovers71

Now the issue is it won't turn as far to the left as the right, maybe 1/3 less.

1/3 less sounds like a lot to me.
I'm still not convinced PA is indexed in correct slot.
Would cost only trip to store for loaner tool and 1 5/16" socket to verify steering box on center.

If no joy I'd let Vanna turn wheel while looking for interference under truck.

[Bigdav160]

Like Tim, I had to search for the vehicle information

4x4 only has one position for the pitman arm. Unlike a 2WD, which the pitman arm should be parallel to the frame, the 4x4 pitman arm should be 90º from the frame. The steering wheel can be re-indexed on the shaft to center it.

[ezstriper]

you cannot get it to steer at all if the PA is off 90 deg...

[Bigdav160]

Are you replying to my response? 4x4 has a bolt and notch that indexes the arm.

[ezstriper]

2wd is not that way...4 notches, only goes on 4 ways..90 degs each move..

[Bigdav160]

Originally Posted by ezstriper

2wd is not that way...4 notches, only goes on 4 ways..90 degs each move..

Understood. In another thread the OP said he has a 4x4

On a side note, I have seen; twice, the sector shaft twisted from the vehicle being in an accident. The symptoms are exactly what the OP stated but the twist was not noticeable until the pitman was removed.

[domeier]

I wouldn't touch it without the service manual opened up. I think you can download it on this site? It does a good job covering K series steering adjust, and it can only be done right by centering and attaching all the different components in a specific order. You start by disconnecting the Pittman Arm, and centering the power steering box.

You'll need a tie-rod removal fork, (can rent.) Also, you'll need to check the toe-in alignment when you're done. And... you might as well grease up all the ball joints and tie-rod end while you're down there.

Pretty lame that a shop would mess it up like that - it ain't rocket science.

[ezstriper]

true, best thing do do is turn the wheel from one lock side to the other, count the # of turns, then 1/2 back to be dead center, ck PA for running parallel with frame, yes seen many sector shafts twisted...hopefully a new/reman box that would not be the case...but if they crossed up parts at rebuild shop and they put in a internal steering stop from a camaro...boxes all look the same for the most part..that would be the cause as well...best take back to shop and say what is the deal ??

[Rufton]

Originally Posted by ezstriper

you cannot get it to steer at all if the PA is off 90 deg...

Don't know why you wouldn't have some steer if PA to steering box sector shaft is clocked 90 degrees off but I'll be happy to do the agree to disagree thing.

[SS Tim]

The 4x4 box is a very different set up from the 4x2. Still say at this point a picture to confirm stock parts and setup is the best place to start.

[ezstriper]

imagine the pitman arm either jammed into frame rail or 180 deg from it...if you could get the drag link connected would be bound up so tight would not steer...on the 4x4 one I don't think you can it on wrong and get the bolt holding in on back in...just replaced mine in a 85 and thats the way that ones was..

[Rufton]

Originally Posted by ezstriper

imagine the pitman arm either jammed into frame rail or 180 deg from it...if you could get the drag link connected would be bound up so tight would not steer...on the 4x4 one I don't think you can it on wrong and get the bolt holding in on back in...just replaced mine in a 85 and thats the way that ones was..

I can imagine PA held by hand in correct orientation below sector shaft.
Rotate steering wheel lock to lock and count turns (while PA disconnected).
Put steering wheel in center (half way between lock to lock).
Stab PA into nearest index slot while steering wheel centered.

[JointTech]

At the top of the page is a "Quick Links" menu.
In there is "Edit Signature"
if everybody would put their truck in there it would be easier to figure things out and you wouldnt have to constantly say what it is at the start of every thread.

im ripping out my front suspension this weekend and replaceing with all new so hopefully all my pictures will let me put it back together.

[Rufton]

Things I like to do:
Measure, mark and count tie rod rotations when removing.
Note, photo and mark PA, IA, etc orientations.
Measure or photo gap between PA and steering box.
Measure, mark, photo yada yada yada.
Make sure all zerk grease fittings work; I'm fighting a defective LCA zerk.