Old Old Old Dodge truck Mechanical question

If you find your steering gear box is worn out, there is a company that specializes in quality steering gear boxes called Redhead steering gears (redheadsteeringgears.com). In the unlikely event they don't have one for your vehicle, they can rebuild yours for you. When I was part of a dodge community, the steering box was a common item to wear out, and this company was the go-to company for the replacement.

I had a 72 W200 power wagon. 318, NP445 4spd, NP205 gear drive transfer case, 4.10 axle gears, 35s. Was planning on building it up as a toy. Should never have sold it.

byronlj wrote:
There is a stud with a slot for a screwdriver locked in place by a jam nut on top of the steering box. Loosen the jam nut and then tighten the stud gently. If you tighten too much you can lock the steering or lose steering to one side. Check this before driving! I had a '62 dodge in high school and it did this. It always was loose though. I replaced lots of steering components which didn't help much.
Dave

This would be my guess too. I believe it's an old recirculating ball screw system. This screw takes up the slack.

But as another poster advises. These systems tend to wear in the area where they are used the most. Makes sense. More wear in the center of the shaft and less at the extreme ends. So I would adjust this way.

Before you adjust, make sure you have the steering box full of lubricant. These old steering boxes had a reputation for leaking the grease out over time. If the grease is gone, the ball screw wears prematurely. And even if it does not, the lack of grease can make the box seem loose.

Also make sure all the components are well greased, before you start adjusting the steering box.

Adjustment steps:
1) Raise the front end off the ground. With enough wheel clearance so you can turn the wheels lock to lock. 2)Crank the wheels all the way to the left and to the right. Does the steering wheel pressure seem consistent? 3)Then take up the screw a little. Lock the nut on the screw. Repeat step 2. Consistent? Free play feel any better? Repeat step 3 until you feel an acceptable amount of free play. And the steering wheel pressure is consistent from lock to lock. Tighten the lock nut and try again.

If you feel the steering wheel feel tighter at one end of the stroke, that is the area with the least amount of wear. And that area is where your best compromise (free play and backlash) adjustment can be made.

If a little adjustment and no real improvement in steering, you have looseness in other steering components.

I agree you can find parts for these. And these are great old trucks. Glad you want to save this one.

Check for loose parts first. If everything checks out ok go for an adjustment on the gear box. Parts are still available, you just have to find a place willing to work with you!

You have to look at the whole system with a helper. Someone needs to sit in the truck and gently work the steering wheel back and forth while you look at everything. I dont remember what system that old of a truck uses but it could well be a solid beam axle. Look at each tie rod end for any movement. Look at any rubber bushings and spring mounts. Lift the front end off the ground and check for play. be careful when adjusting the gearbox as it can be worn and tightening the screw in the worn area results in to tight of a feel as the wheel is turned. There may be a combination of several loose areas. Rubber parts also deteriorate with time.

On my old dodge, follow the steering column as it exits the firewall, there is a knuckle, this was stripped out and the parts store had one in stock. Had to anticipate a turn and start cranking the wheel before I got to it. Drove slow untill I got home.

There is a stud with a slot for a screwdriver locked in place by a jam nut on top of the steering box. Loosen the jam nut and then tighten the stud gently. If you tighten too much you can lock the steering or lose steering to one side. Check this before driving! I had a '62 dodge in high school and it did this. It always was loose though. I replaced lots of steering components which didn't help much.
Dave

check the bolts that bolt the gearbox to the frame.also check the idler arm