Steering gear off center...

[Someotherguy]

Hey guys, i need some help on my 73 RR...

Problem: The steering box is off center in relation to the steering column..The input shaft on the box is approximately 1/2 inch off to the left(toward the engine) of the column end shaft...What would cause this..?

The only thing that i could think of is the K-frame is off..:thinker:

 

[RustyRatRod]

Lemmie make sure I am readin you right. The centerline of the gearbox SHAFT is out of line to the left of the car by about 1/2" as compared to the centerline of the steering shaft, right? Yeah, somethin is up. That would wear the rag joint rapidly IF you can even get it installed. You might try two things. See if you can shim the gearbox over a little and see if you can adjust the position of the steering column a little. But before that, I would certainly make sure the k frame is in right and nothing is bent.

 

[WileE]

Not enough details, but I'll throw out some generalities. You should approach this from both ends. Before puttin anything together, we always made sure the platform (unibody) is straight. That includes the bolted-on k-frame, especially the bushing type. And, the column itself must be checked: has it been in an accident causing partial collapse ? Is the flange bent ? I'm assuming the parts for the car are correct. Again, don't know how you got to this point, but just off the top of my head, I'd do some measuring.

 

[arizona satellite]

there is a small amount of adjustment in the lower mount to the firewall, that may give you 1/2" you need.

 

[Someotherguy]

there is a small amount of adjustment in the lower mount to the firewall, that may give you 1/2" you need.

thats what i was looking for...I wasn't sure if there was any sort of freeplay adjustment on the box side or column side, As I'm sure the previous owner removed the column at some point..the car was partially taken apart when i got it...

- - - Updated - - -

Lemmie make sure I am readin you right. The centerline of the gearbox SHAFT is out of line to the left of the car by about 1/2" as compared to the centerline of the steering shaft, right? Yeah, somethin is up. That would wear the rag joint rapidly IF you can even get it installed. You might try two things. See if you can shim the gearbox over a little and see if you can adjust the position of the steering column a little. But before that, I would certainly make sure the k frame is in right and nothing is bent.

yeah, you are understanding it correctly...I have been under this thing a million times, absolutely no signs of accident damage...I tried shimming the box over to the right some time ago, it didn't work all that well...I didn't know if there was any adjustment in the column, but i will try that monday..

thanks for all the tips folks

 

[Someotherguy]

just to update the thread...There was plenty of adjustment in the firewall mounting plate to center it back up with the steering box

thanks for all the help :grin:

 

[RustyRatRod]

Coolness.