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American Steering Stops & Box ?

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Ollie View Drop Down
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    Posted: Nov/29/2016 at 1:24pm
The Rambler, my 1966 American, is developing some steering issues.

I have been adjusting the box by tightening the adj screw and the problem gets better (but not fixed) for a few 100 miles and comes back. I have a flat spot at straight ahead position at highway speeds.

I am convinced the problem is in the steering box. After studying the TSM, I think I have some worn bushings and bearings.

I am missing a steering stop, I think. The TSM only shows a picture of the right side. I don't have one on the left side. Am I supposed to have one on each side? I would think so.

I am open for any ideas??, suggestions ??? Do I need to up grade the gearing ratios? Part numbers and sources for a overhaul kit??

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 6768rogues Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov/29/2016 at 4:00pm
There should be a stop on both sides, on the bolts that hold the strut rods. Power steering or manual?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tomj Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov/29/2016 at 10:57pm
did you follow the correct procedure on steering box setup? it's finicky. it's set not by feel but by frictional drag when the box (not steering) is precisely centered, measuring at the steering wheel with the pitman arm pulled off.

it's only at center that play matters, because off-center backlash is taken up by gear side load.


1960 Rambler Super two-door wagon, OHV auto
1961 Roadster American, 195.6 OHV, T5
http://www.ramblerLore.com

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ollie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov/30/2016 at 8:31am
The steering is manual and I am missing the steering stop on the drivers side.

No, I did not remove the pitman arm and adjust it that way. I only tightened the adjustment nut with everything connected.

I figure the steering box is the original and the vehicle has at least 125K miles. This has been a new developing issue and the steering components; tie rod ends, ball joints, etc. are all good.

My plan is in January to work on the front end. New strut rod bushings, shocks, wheels and tires. I will remove the steering box, send to Lares Corp and get it rebuilt.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 6768rogues Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov/30/2016 at 9:15am
Lares is a good choice unless you decide to go to power steering. For that I would get a Jeep box.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 6PakBee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov/30/2016 at 9:37am
Originally posted by tomj tomj wrote:

did you follow the correct procedure on steering box setup? it's finicky. it's set not by feel but by frictional drag when the box (not steering) is precisely centered, measuring at the steering wheel with the pitman arm pulled off.

it's only at center that play matters, because off-center backlash is taken up by gear side load.



Where I have had problems with adjusting high mileage manual boxes is that the majority of the wear is in the center of the travel.  If you reduce the clearance to the point of having a good 'feel' in the center, it can be too tight at either end.  Only solution here is new parts.  It does seem strange that the adjustment won't 'hold'.  Almost seems like something is moving or distorting or failing.
Roger Gazur
1969 'B' Scheme SC/Rambler
1970 RWB 4-spd Machine
1970 Sonic Silver auto AMX

All project cars.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ollie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov/30/2016 at 5:39pm
Originally posted by 6PakBee 6PakBee wrote:

....  It does seem strange that the adjustment won't 'hold'.  Almost seems like something is moving or distorting or failing.


My thoughts exactly.......
I am sure they can fix it at Lares.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rampar Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Nov/30/2016 at 9:13pm
Originally posted by 6768rogues 6768rogues wrote:

Lares is a good choice unless you decide to go to power steering. For that I would get a Jeep box.

Jeep box you say... what year and what not? And do you have to run power?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 6768rogues Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Dec/01/2016 at 7:15am
One of my cars has a mid 1990s Jeep PS box and it has great road feel and a good ratio. You would have to use a metric pump or adapter fittings, or have custom hoses made.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bubbarules1958 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Dec/01/2016 at 9:35am
Originally posted by Rampar Rampar wrote:


Originally posted by 6768rogues 6768rogues wrote:

Lares is a good choice unless you decide to go to power steering. For that I would get a Jeep box.



Jeep box you say... what year and what not? And do you have to run power?



XJ box, Durango box is a little beefier and a s10 box is also an option. Each box has different benefits. Google Durango or s10 steering box swap.
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