Steering box issue

Discussion in 'International Forum' started by joejffrs, Aug 2, 2020.

  1. joejffrs

    joejffrs Light Load Member

    54
    14
    Jul 24, 2018
    San Diego
    0
    2013 TransStar 8600-I added a leaf to the front springs and blocks to raise the truck about 4”. This caused my steering wheel to be a bit to the right, like 1/8 turn. The drag link is about 3/4” too short now and turning radius is uneven. Can’t find a little longer drag link anywhere, but looking at it, I think I can pull the arm off the steering box and re-index a couple splines. Sounds like it should work, but hey, it is steering, and that can be important sometimes. There is a huge allen head cap on the arm that looks like it is holding the link onto the steering box. Maybe remove that allen head cap, get a puller, remove the arm, move it over a couple splines, reassemble torquing to the 350 foot pounds stamped on the cap. Hoping someone has lifted these trucks to get the fuel tanks off the dirt like I had to do. Thanks for any suggestions.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

    27,732
    145,341
    Jul 7, 2015
    Canuckistan
    0
    I originally said to not re-spline the pitman arm and re-spline the steering wheel. However, that may have been incorrect advice in your particular situation.
     
    Last edited: Aug 2, 2020
    joejffrs Thanks this.
  4. joejffrs

    joejffrs Light Load Member

    54
    14
    Jul 24, 2018
    San Diego
    0
    That is what I have now because of the lift. Wheel cut is now reduced to the right is increased to the left.
     
  5. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

    27,732
    145,341
    Jul 7, 2015
    Canuckistan
    0
    That's what I figured after I thought about it for a second. Had a case of talking before the brain engaged lol.

    Sounds like moving the pitman arm might be the solution you need.
     
    joejffrs Thanks this.
  6. Inderjit

    Inderjit Medium Load Member

    624
    609
    Sep 17, 2017
    0
    If your steering box has an allen head bolt holding the pitman arm on I would assume its a Sheppard box. There should be a casting number above the sector shaft to identify the gear or can you post a picture of it. The Sheppard manuals are available on line at: RH Sheppard | Sheppard® Service Bulletins and Manuals
    You will need to reset the relief stops on the steering box then lift the weight off the steering axle and with the engine stopped crank the steering tightly against the axle stops. If the spindle stop bolts will contact the axle on both sides then the box has enough travel and you have just set the relief valves that limit the box travel. You just need to pull the steering wheel and get it straight again. If it will not reach the stop on one side you will have a reduced turning radius in one direction. This may or may not be a problem.
     
    Last edited: Aug 2, 2020
  7. joejffrs

    joejffrs Light Load Member

    54
    14
    Jul 24, 2018
    San Diego
    0
    Thanks for the info-especially the link
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.