84 dodge ram d150 power steering gear box?

Question

is there a way to adjust the play in the steering box, there is a 1/4 turn of the steering wheel before the front wheels respond.
truck has a 225 slant 6 and an auto trans. it does not have the power steering cooler option

thought id ask before buying new box, thank you for your help

Answer 1

There is a bolt sticking out of the top of the box with a jamb nut on it. With the wheels straight ahead, raise the front wheels off the ground. loosen the jamb nut and turn the bolt clock wise with an Allen wrench while holding the jamb nut. Turn about half a turn and check the play. Keep turning until the play is almost out or the steering wheel shows a slight binding when turning back and forth from straight ahead over top dead center. If you feel a binding spot while driving, you have turned the adjuster too far. If this doesn't solve the problem the steering sector(box)has too much wear in it and needs to be replaced.

Answer 2

You might also consider replacing the steering shaft (from the rag joint to the steering box). Borgenson makes a nifty replacement shaft that goes for around $200. I installed it (on a 1981 D150 with a slant six, manual steering) and was suitably impressed by the improvement in my steering--it was very noticeable.

Apparently the stock Dodge steering shafts would wear out in about 10,000 miles and give you some seriously sloppy steering. The other thing to consider is the age of the usual suspension components--do they need to be replaced? As much as I hate to throw money into a rig recognize that your beast is over 20 years old. Consider replacing ball joints, tie rod ends, etc. Also the steering box might have to go. All told it is money well spent, steering and brakes are the two best places to spend your cash!!

Answer 3

The adjuster is on top of the steering unit. the unit is next to the left of the radiator. With the wheels off the ground, wheels straight ahead, and engine running, loosen the jam nut on the bolt sticking out of the top of the 'box'. While holding the jam nut, use the allen wrench to screw in the bolt a little at a time. About a quarter of an inch. Check the steering wheel by moving it from straight ahead to the right and left to see if there is a tight place in the steering. Keep tightening the bolt with the hex wrench a little at a time until you feel a slight drag turning the wheel left to right. Then hold the allen wrench and tighten the jam nut. Be sure that you don't adjust the bolt to much or you will fell a tight spot in the steering while you drive.

Answer 4

yes there's a adjusting nut on the center of the steering box you can loosen the lock nut and turn it 1/4 of a turn at a time until you get it out that way,good luck.