Steering wheel play

[CJJay]

your probably right but before I spend a bunch of money I'm going to wait until the engine is in to see if it stiffin stuff up the front end. I'll check the welds tonight but I'm pretty sure I went throught them when I rebuilt the frame.

[CJJay]

When you replaced the sector shaft did you have to replace the worm gear?

[athawk11]

CJ,
I didn't replace my steering/worm shaft.  I can't remember where I read it...I think it was in a thread on the 2A page about the same thing.

I recall it saying that if the new sector shaft nubs did not bottom out in the worm gear, then it was still good to use.

I know opening up the steering box is a messy job, especially if you put the lubricant back in, but it may be worth a look.  It won't cost a thing...except a bit of time and some oil stains.

I'm not a gambling man, but with all the other parts you've already replaced, I am willing to bet you won't like the way those nubs look.   Heck, you already did the hard part.  (bushings)

Tim

[JeepRoger]

CJJay - I know its frustrating, but as you've already heard from other posts, there are a lot of things to check, and the best way to go about it is systematically. As Tim suggests, start at the steering box and work your way down. Everything along the way can affect the freeplay; worm gear's bearings properly loaded, sector shaft and its adjustment, tightness of Pitman arm, connecting rod and its caps and springs (and everything installed facing the right way), bell crank and how well the bell crank's pin is secured to the cross member (two different styles; one is pinned in the other tightened with a bolt), and so on. Having a helper turn the wheel while you feel for freeplay is the best way. Attack it a piece at a time and I'm sure you'll find the problem or problems. ..R

[CJJay]

I'm a bit embarrased as Last night I pulled the piman arm off and then turned the steering wheel and could see the sector shaft deflect towards the tub. I pulled the steering and took it apart to find that I only replaced the seal and not the bushings. I've ordered a new sector shaft kit to replace the whole thing. Now while I'm waiting for those parts I am finally putting the engine back together as the machine shop delivered it last night. They forgot to replace a broken exhaust stud and by the time they finally got around to putting the crank and cam in it the block started to rust again. I have a lot of work to do that they should have but it took about 8 monthes to get this back and I am not going to take it back.