by deadponies Fri Jun 29, 2018 5:43 pm
Since the early doesn't have p/s. just sit in the seat and lightly turn the steering wheel back and forth. If everything is pretty tight, then it's your Toe-in. That's the only thing you can adjust w/o bending the axle.
If there's play in the linkage you'll feel when all the slack is taken up. Then it takes 2, have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you check at the pitman arm for play, If the pitman arm is not moving , then it's in your steering box. If it is moving, check all of the joints. Just place a finger on the ball of the joint, you'll feel it.
The box does have an adjustment, But don't adjust it with steering centered. That's where all the wear is. Common mistake that leads to steering bind. Have both wheels off the ground, turn steering lock to lock. Making small adjustments, 1/4 to 1/2 turn. You'll feel the steering start to get harder at full turn. Stop there, if there is still play while box is centered, then you need a new/rebuilt steering box. You'll have a little no matter what.
To check the king pins, jack up 1 wheel under the axle. Use a pry bar under the tire and w/one hand on top of the wheel, pull up on the pry bar. The wheel will rock at the pin if bad, or move up and down if king pin bearing is crushed.
If no movement at the pin, but you have movement, it's usually the wheel bearings.
Don't just adjust them, pop the outer bearing cone out (smallest bearing) and clean it. If it's not bright and shiny, replace it. Inner bearing your going to need to replace the seal to check it.
