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Alignment after steereing box replacement?

dakonthemountain

California Chapter member
I've been told I will now need an alignment after I replaced my steering gearbox. Is this true? I guess I don't understand why, as the only things that were manipulated were on the steering shaft, etc.. I'll have it done if need be, but I just want to understand why. Thanks!

Dak

On edit: Title should read "steering"..
 

LEB Ben

Arrogant A-hole At-Large
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If the steering box was the only thing handled I don't understand either, but when it comes to 4x4's if you start pulling trac-bars and tie rods, etc. for a proper system purge, then I could see it.
 

dakonthemountain

California Chapter member
Thanks Ben, that's what I thought...I'll drive it around more and see if I have any issues with tire wear, vibrations, etc. I've only driven it up and down my street so far since all the work.

Dak
 

LEB Ben

Arrogant A-hole At-Large
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Yeah...I really don't think I'd worry about it for the time being.
 
The only thing I could think of is maybe the steering wheel bar ended up not being horizontal.
You can take a stick rule with a slide extension and measure between the front rims , front of rims then back of rims, and do your own alignment.
 

Fellro

Moderator
Staff member
That is the only thing I know of as to why you would need to adjust anything, if the steering wheel is off center. That would only affect the the one setting, not the wheel to wheel alignment...
 

73F100Shortbed

That's how we roll!
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What everyone else said. If wheel is straight and it goes straight save your money.
 
Were there any instructions that mentioned the steering gear is -made- to
have less play in it "when its centered" and has more play to either side of
center? It'll disappoint me if RedHead didn't mention that in the instructions
and -how- to find the center.

Anyway on a 2wd there's no adjustments other than toe. :)

-IF- the rest of the vehicle is straight like frame vs rear axle and the front
end is straight too. Measure the crap out of it! LOL :)

...don't know nuthin' about 4wd. :/

toe-in1.jpg


toe-in2.jpg


Dak, you've seen those before right? :)

The trick is to find what position your steering wheel is in going down the
road driving on the crown of the road and both sides too and deciding what
position the steering wheel is in when you are going straight.

Come to a stop easy with the steering wheel in that position. The toe-in
at-center quickly turns into toe-out as you steer away from center, see it?

You can experiment with what you like best, maybe a little toe out even.

Toe-out works real good when you got soft squirmy tires or mismatched
tire-wheel combinations.

Has worked great for me, YMMV?

Alvin in AZ
ps- You got a stinkin' lift kit on that rig?
Got a pitman arm to match it at least?
 

dakonthemountain

California Chapter member
Thanks Alvin! Great test. I have absolutely NO problem with the toe in/out adjustments and the horn bar is perfectly horizontal. I made sure of it! Ever wonder why so many horn pads are worn at the ends? Because of drivers like me.. I rest my hands on the ends when I'm cruising on the freeway, which is most of what Burt has known through the years. No issues thus far! :)

Dak
 
Swapping out a steering gear should have no effect on the toe-in.

I have absolutely NO problem with the toe in/out adjustments...
...and the horn bar is perfectly horizontal.
Dak
Cool about your steering wheel being straight. :)
Mine's always been a half-notch-off even when brand new.
It just wouldn't be the same truck if it wasn't higher on the left. LOL :)

So what about your toe-in tho?
Did you measure it?
If so, what reading did you get? :)

How square is the rest of the frame and axles etc?

Did the RedHead come with instructions mentioning the "center"
of the steering gear and how to find it for the tightest steering?

Alvin in AZ
 

dakonthemountain

California Chapter member
Swapping out a steering gear should have no effect on the toe-in.


Cool about your steering wheel being straight. :)
Mine's always been a half-notch-off even when brand new.
It just wouldn't be the same truck if it wasn't higher on the left. LOL :)

So what about your toe-in tho?
Did you measure it?
If so, what reading did you get? :)

How square is the rest of the frame and axles etc?

Did the RedHead come with instructions mentioning the "center"
of the steering gear and how to find it for the tightest steering?

Alvin in AZ

Hey Alvin, No, guess I'm just too lazy!... didn't measure the toe. As for the rest of Burt, he is perfectly straight and the axle aligned just fine.. Driving down the road if I take my hands off the wheel he keeps going straight. And no dog tailing either. I always get such a kick out of seeing some vehicles driving in front of me that look like they are practically turning!

Red Head didn't come with ANY instructions. I suppose they "assume" (ha!) that if you know enough to order a steering box from them you know how to install it or know someone that does! I'm a happy camper! :)

Dak
 

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