after 1,228,197 miles

My steering u-joints are fine I replaced those a couple of years ago.

 

Is there a special tool that makes tightening up a loose steering box easy? How do the aligment shops get to it? It's got a 3/4 jam nut with a flat screw head stud in the middle of it. I know exactly how to adjust it. Problem is I can't break it loose. There is barely 3" of room in there between the steering box and the outside frame rail. Very difficult to work in there. A 90* turned flat screwdriver and boxed end 3/4" I'm just having a time with it. I can easily break the jam nut loose. I cannot for the life of me break the set screw loose that will adjust it. Maybe I just ain;t holding my mouth right. How the hell can you get in there and adjust that? What tool do I need?

 

I replaced the steering shaft from the column down to the box a couple of years ago. It's in good shape and the u-joints are fine. There is adjustment on the actual steering box it's self. That's what I'm wondering about. You can take up some play in the steering wheel if it's too lose (and wandering) or if it is too tight (also wandering) you can loosen and give it some play. I know it needs some play but there's a fine line. Not too much and not too little. It seems to have too much. I have to give this a try. It's a stud that a flat screwdriver turns. Has a 3/4" jam nut on it.

Located on the right side of the steering box facing towards the frame rail - tight squeeze in between there - can't twist the adjustment with a regular screwdriver - have to use one with a 90* bend to reach up in there. I don't even think I could get my phone in there to get a decent enough pic - guessing anyone with a T600 probably knows what the deal is. Loosen jam nut and twist the stud clockwise to tighten up the play in the steering wheel. Just go a 1/4 turn at a time and test drive to see what happens until you get it right. It's simple to adjust but in an awkward area that makes it hard to reach. Guess some good needle nose pliers might do the trick. I'll tinker with it when I get time. Just wondering what those who've adjusted them have to say about it if anything?

 

Good thing I couldn't get to it and really .... it up right? Do you think it unusual before I had the kingpins done this was not an issue? The shop didn't do a half assed job on the kingpins. If the spindles or axle were screwed they would have brought it to my attention. How much are steering boxes? Would a reman be as good as brand new?