[Rally68]

Rebuilt my steering box last night with the guidance of Gary and Jim Shea's excellent writings.

A sincere thank you to those gentlemen for taking the time to pass along all that information, it was invaluable.

When I set the gear lash I was struck by how small the needed adjustments to the lash screw were. My first measurement was 7 in-lbs over center; I turned the lash adjuster screw probably less than a full turn, and...22 in-lbs! I backed it off to about 10 in-lbs, and it took less than 1/4 turn to dial in 14 in-lbs, where I left it.

I questioned the advice I got after I bought the car (in 2008) not to mess with the lash screw while the box was in the car...I figured the teeth have opposing tapers, the box is designed to have the lash adjusted out, right? Anyway, I never messed with it, and now I'm glad I didn't. I have no doubt I'd have over-tightened the lash adjuster with the sector off center and trashed my gears. Just my 2c, YMMV.

All I need now is some nice weather...

Chris

 

[HardcoreABN]

got plenty of that here for ya, mid 80's today, been 70's the last 2 weeks hehehe

 

[gtr1999]

14 is a bit high, I'd stay with 12-12.5 max. I'll have to go back and see if I have 14 in the setup thread.

 

[Rally68]

It's still on the bench, no problem to change it. The instructions I have are yours, they say 11 to 14. The GM manual says 16 max, and I was below 10 off of center, so I set it for 14 over center. Let me know please, and thanks again

 

[gtr1999]

It's still on the bench, no problem to change it. The instructions I have are yours, they say 11 to 14. The GM manual says 16 max, and I was below 10 off of center, so I set it for 14 over center. Let me know please, and thanks again

Set the total on center to 11.5-12 max. Should be 7 over the preload setting. Typically over tightening will roll the center tooth in time and the lash will open up. Many of the boxes I get in are shot because of this.

 

[Rally68]

will do Gary, thanks :thumbsup: