How much play do you have in your steering gearbox?

[bobfist]

Hi!

Im totally restored everything but now when we come this far i noticed the play in the gearbox.
I read that mopar had a lot play but what is alot?
I have tryed to adjust it but it would not help, does some play dissapear when the engine is running and you have oilpressure in the steering system?

[Ghoste]

This is one of those things that are really hard to diagnose without seeing it in person.  A little play is normal but how do I define "a little"?

[joevhb]

My '68 won't be on the road any time soon but I did spring some big bucks for a Borgeson steering box and a Saginaw PS pump which I understand is a significant improvement over the originals. Has anyone else tried this?

[A383Wing]

running stock boxes and pumps on all my cars....adjusted properly, they will provide years of service...no slop in any of my cars at all

[Charger4404spd]

My '68 won't be on the road any time soon but I did spring some big bucks for a Borgeson steering box and a Saginaw PS pump which I understand is a significant improvement over the originals. Has anyone else tried this?

I think I am going to get one also.
http://bergmanautocraft.com/proddetail.php?prod=5-0033

Have you installed it yet?

[Kern Dog]

I have found that once you change one thing in the steering, a weak link will shine elsewhere. New ball joints and bushings may result in the steering feel both tighter and looser as strange as it may sound. There is an acceptable amount of free play in the steering wheel when the car is not running. The wheel often will move freely from 11;00 to 1:00 but once the engine is running and spinning the pump, that should tighten up. Rick Ehrenberg with Mopar Action feels that Firm Feel from Washington state is the only steering box rebuilder to trust. The guys at "Steer and Gear" may offer the same service but they are thought of to do inferior work. A Rock Auto or other type rebuild is nothing more than a clean & regasketed steering box with old, worn parts inside.

[stripedelete]

I'm running a steer and gear stage II with a rebuilt stock front end.
I couldn't be happier.  However, as with my entire restoration, I've never attempted to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

[71 SE3834V]

....... A Rock Auto or other type rebuild is nothing more than a clean & regasketed steering box with old, worn parts inside.

Tell me about it! I ordered 3 different steering gears from Auto Zone (A1 Cardone, I know, I know) and all 3 came with the splines chewed up. The last 2 I opened up in the store. Salesman called the vendor in front of me and told them they were shipping out a bad product. I called a few other local stores including Napa and they all sold the same unit. Finally found that Advance Auto sold a Lares unit. About $150. When it came it looked like brand new! Working great! Doesn't seem to have any play in it. Works for me! Are there better ones out there, I'm sure there are.

[Jonas_N]

I have terrible play in mine. Now when restoring the front Im going with new joints/bushings all over...and also was planning to get a Firm Feel stage 3. (Heard many good things about that one on this forum.)

[Kern Dog]

Good move. I'm happy with mine but still curious about the Borgeson unit.

[Charger4404spd]

Good move. I'm happy with mine but still curious about the Borgeson unit.

Just ordered the Borgeson kit, will have some info soon.

[Kern Dog]

Yeah...but will you let me drive it? THAT is where my curious streak is leading me.   

[Charger4404spd]

Yeah...but will you let me drive it? THAT is where my curious streak is leading me.   

You probably have a better chance hitting the lottery

[c00nhunterjoe]

Engine off- 11-1 on the wheel as kerndog posted above, with it running i have 0 play.