Saginaw Steering Gear Adjustment.

Take a look at these links.

I am doing this project now.


Provides pics and the functionality of a steering gear box - (describes F_rd valve bodies on older cars )
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http://www.stangerssite.com/adjustment.html
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Video - information only -

 

I'm not too confident in this video, and the web site listed is describing doing F_rd valve bodies on older cars where the valve body and the ram are separate.

I would not be inclined to set the preload of the steering box without an inch pound torque wrench, but if you're the experimental type and don't mind screwing it up, then it's certainly okay to give it a shot. Note that this guy screwed up a seal doing the procedure he showed and says he will post a video of him rebuilding the whole box.

That being said, I have messed with the Allen screw on high-mile vehicles that I didn't care about (with the box installed), and was able to tighten up loose steering without causing any problems.

- Eric