steering box - AND new comanche!

[urbanMJ]

Hey guys,

 

I just bought my first Comanche after a considerable search. 4.0L auto, 2wd in white. All i need now is to certify it and pass emissions.

 

Unfortunately, with my loose steering box, I won't pass safety. I was wondering if there is a screw somewhere to adjust the slack - i found a bolt on top of the box but it won't budge.

 

Would anyone also know the torque setting on this adjustment?

 

Thanks in advance! I look forward to becoming an active member of this community.

[DirtyComanche]

what do you mean by loose? Like, you can turn the wheel a ways before the tires turn?

 

 

It's not likely to be the steering box. A TRE or such maybe...

[urbanMJ]

hmm, alot of slop on center. moving a considerable amount before being able to change direction of steering etc.

 

TRE?

[DirtyComanche]

Tie rod ends.

 

 

They all wear out if somebody forgets to grease the steering.

[urbanMJ]

hmm, you sure about that? I just greased them last weekend and the steering knuckle is rigid. No movement whatsoever from pushing and pulling.

[DirtyComanche]

Nope.

 

 

 

There's a bunch of joints between the steering wheel and box. They shouldn't go bad, but check 'em out.

 

 

Otherwise, can't help ya.

[urbanMJ]

alright, i'll crawl under the truck tommorrow to check it out. thanks!

 

no idea on the adjustment of the box though?

[DirtyComanche]

Somebody should. Mine has always worked and I have a spare if it stops...

[mjeff87]

That nut on the top of the steering box that you saw is the adjuster. It's a locknut with an allen head setscrew inside of it. Loosen the nut, then turn the allen screw inwards, in very small increments while checking the play after each adjustment, until the slack is taken up, then retighten the nut. Be very careful not to overadjust because it will ruin the box if it's too tight.

Good luck!

Jeff

[Pete M]

Did you try having someone turn the wheel back and forth while you watch the front end?

[urbanMJ]

thanks mjeff87! Any idea on how tight? or should i just keep guessing and checking...

 

petermontie: suspension is tight. all bushings and links are good. it's just the play in the steering box

[urbanMJ]

Ok so i found the factory service manual

 

What is the worm bearing Preload

vs. Meshload adjustment

 

Which one should I be using??

 

Thanks again guys, it made a huge difference.

[mjeff87]

You're adjusting the "over-center preload"

 

Don't worry too much.....if you overadjust it, the worm gear will bind and you'll feel it. Just adjust the slop out of the wheel, and leave a little bit of play in it. You'll know it when you dial it in, it'll "feel" right :)

 

Jeff

[Eagle]

Be sure the steering is straight ahead when you make the adjustment. There is more clearance off-center, and if you adjust it when not centered it get tighter across the center and will damage the box.

 

Your problem is still probably the tie rod ends or the track bar. Adjusting the steering box should be the last thing you consider, not the first, second or even third.

[urbanMJ]

Cool, tightened on center 1/8th turn. went to check and about 10 degree play on center. was satisfied and will leave it as is. thanks again everyone.

 

I plan on an independant front suspension of some sorts in the very near future =] going with double wishbone, rack and pinion steering mounted on a subframe, then bolted on to the frame of the MJ.

[DirtyComanche]

IFS? Go steal the front out of an AMC eagle, and build an AWD street beast.

 

 

I'm tempted to try it myself.

[urbanMJ]

Well I'd like to keep it FR for simplicity.

 

front suspension will be out of an '03+ crown victoria, measurements pending. Will change the castor, kingpin and static camber to something a bit more aggressive...