386 steering revolutions

No idea how many specifically but it sounds like you need the drag link adjusted. If its non-adjustable and nothing is bent or broken, could be someone put the pitman arm on incorrectly (wrong spline).

 

No 2 trucks are the same. It all comes down to a number of variables. Steering box design, axle stop bolt settings, etc. If it turned ok and the knuckle was close to or touching the axle stop bolts when you had it set for 2 turns/side, that's probably how it wad designed. I would be hesitant to throw away a steering box when it may not be the issue.

Is it possible someone changed a steering column u-joint and installed the steering shaft 180 degrees out? Then to cover it up they monkeyed around with the pitman arm until the wheel was straight? I don't advise doing that unless that is exactly what happened. There's usually wiring in the steering wheel for the horn or steering wheel controls that can get damaged if you free spin it too far in either direction.

 

I believe there are relief poppets inside the box so you should always have a small gap between the knuckle and stop bolt. I seem to recall there being a procedure to adjust them. Been a long time since I dealt with them unfortunately.