Steering fix

[brubml]

My steering gearbox (bolts sheered from frame and destroyed gearbox seals while trying to limp it home) went out and I've got a replacement and new pitman on order. My question is how do I re-installed the gearbox and pitman while making sure the the steering wheel and wheels are straight? I made the mistake of taking it apart while the wheels were pointed to the left and who knows what direction the steering wheel is pointed right now. Can anyone offer some suggestions/tips on how to reinstall while making sure things get re-aligned correctly!??!?!

 

[ScreaminDuramax]

If you don't know what position the wheel is at good chance you are going to break the clock spring. Been there done that.

 

[brubml]

How do I avoid breaking the clockspring?!?!

 

[DAVe3283]

How do I avoid breaking the clockspring?!?!

You might be SOL at this point. If you remember the wheels were turned left, go ahead and turn the wheel right a turn or so (however far it was turned left). IIRC these trucks are about 2.6 turns lock-to-lock, so probably bring it back one turn then turn it the shortest direction to get it level.

Then, cross your fingers and hope you got it right!

What I like to do (and what you should do in the future) is put the seatbelt through the wheel before I disconnect any steering parts. That way the wheel remains centered and I don't have to wonder about where I left it.

 

[brubml]

It seems like the steering wheel lock should prevent this sort of thing?!?!

 

[Chevy1925]

if you dont want to break the clock spring, you will need to pull the steering wheel apart. it will be a coiled up winding of computer tape wire IIRC. be sure to mark the steering wheel and shaft so they are put back on the splines in the same relation as they were pulled

 

[Chevy1925]

It seems like the steering wheel lock should prevent this sort of thing?!?!

there isnt one on these trucks

 

[Bustedknuckles]

GENTLY turn the wheel all the way left till you feel it get tight. Then all the way right counting the turns, the go back left half that number till the wheel is level. Then install everything with the wheels straight and you will be gtg.

 

[OregonDMAX]

GENTLY turn the wheel all the way left till you feel it get tight. Then all the way right counting the turns, the go back left half that number till the wheel is level. Then install everything with the wheels straight and you will be gtg.

This^^ is the best and easiest way just be very gentle because the clock spring is fragile

 

[moparkxracer]

What happens if it's broke? How can you tell?

 

[OregonDMAX]

You will have an airbag light on

 

[moparkxracer]

Great....

 

[Bustedknuckles]

You will have an airbag light on

Yep, and the horn wont work. The airbag code will be for squib control circuit or something like that.

 

[brubml]

Thanks a lot for all the help on this!!!!