steering box.

[CrownVic55]

I rebuilt the steering box on my 55 and when I reinstalled it, my wheel is about 3 inches counter clock wise to level. I assume (but we all know what that does) that the removal of play in box changed the position of the steering wheel with wheels straight. My 55 service manual says to set wheel level from this position to turn both tie rod adjusters down. Says one full turn equals approx one inch on steering wheel. My 56 manual says same procedure for adjustment but says one full turn equals approx 3 inches on wheel. Does anyone know which is correct and do I need a special tool to turn sleeves on tie rods? Of anyone has that info, I bet KULTULZ does. I had front end aligned during restoration but don't think they messed with toe adj. Sleeves are frozen to tie rods and my paint wasn't knocked off of bolts and nuts on clamps. Thanks for any info.
Ben

 

[KULTULZ]

If you are certain the box is centered (no. of turns) and the marking(s) on the steering shaft and steering wheel are aligned, a shop (make that a quality/professional/caring shop) uses a steering wheel holder to keep the steering wheel centered to allow you to adjust the tie rod sleeves to arrive at correct toe. The sleeves have to be turned in a certain fashion to actually center the wheel. This should be described in the SHOP MANUAL.

There is a special tool to turn the sleeves without damaging them but most use either large slip-joint pliers or vice-grips.

You found a HEAT and BEAT SHOP and if a small hammer won't work, you get a B(igger)FH to make it fit.

 

[Ole Don]

I have seen a common pipe wrench used to move tight tie rod adjusters. The gear mesh inside the gearbox should have a "high spot" to help center things.

 

[CrownVic55]

Thanks for the responses. KULTULZ, I knew you would have a picture of the tool needed. May have my son make me one. Guess when I start adj. I will find out if the 55 book-one turn=one inch on wheel or 56 book is correct.

 

[KULTULZ]

Thanks for the responses.

KULTULZ, I knew you would have a picture of the tool needed. May have my son make me one.

Guess when I start adj. I will find out if the 55 book-one turn=one inch on wheel or 56 book is correct.

That is just one style, universal if you will.

I have a perfect description of centering the wheel in a 73 SHOP MANUAL but my printer/scanner is on the fritz.

If the shop did not center the wheel, I would ask for my money back. Did they give you a printout after the work?

Centering the wheel is part of the labor charge. If for whatever reason the wheel cannot be centered without additional work (say adjusting sleeve(s) frozen) or by the BFH method, the customer should be informed at that point and the car not simply released (IMO)

Now get a load of this. A dealer I worked in years ago had a front end man who would center the steering wheel by loosening the steering wheel and would adjust the wheel position while driving the vehicle.

You aren't safe anywhere...