Topic: strange steering gear question ?

[toyodaaddict]

I just happened upon an old as the hills post on a random forum discussing high steer issues.  Someone said that the IFS steering gear has a return to center position  and if the pitman isnt lined up right on the splines it can cause problems. they said that just being one spline off caused them issues. I've never heard this can anyone confirm or deny?

I built my dad a fully built first gen 4runner last year and the steering has never been quiet right. It doesnt return to center real well and the steering feels kinda light and floaty. I've gone over the usual stuff, caster, knuckle bearings, had the alignment done at an offroad shop, stuff like that.

I used a trail mart flat pitman ( needs to offer one) and had a hard time getting the arm lined up on the gear, I tried many times. In the end the steering limits his turning (about 1/8'') not the axle. I adjusted the stops to makes up for it. Im at such a loss for why his steering acts the way it does Im wondering if there could be some truth to that post.

[Rocksurfer]

All power steering boxes have a neutral position so that the fluid doesn't try to push you one direction or the other. It would be correct that if the ps is not in the neutral position that it would push the steering either to the left or right if you let go of the wheel. There should be a small arrow on the edge of the pump at the shaft to indicate the stock neutral position for a properly installed pitman arm.

[toyodaaddict [OP]]

All power steering boxes have a neutral position so that the fluid doesn't try to push you one direction or the other. It would be correct that if the ps is not in the neutral position that it would push the steering either to the left or right if you let go of the wheel. There should be a small arrow on the edge of the pump at the shaft to indicate the stock neutral position for a properly installed pitman arm.

Interesting, I'll give this another look. Of coarse trail gear doesnt put an alignment mark on there pitman arm (again Marlin needs to sell these)

[Rocksurfer]

Of coarse trail gear doesnt put an alignment mark on there pitman arm

I have no comment on that issue.

[toyodaaddict [OP]]

Like I said Marlin needs to offer a flat arm. My trucks as well as my dads  arnt %100 marlin parts but I can honestly say the pitman arms are the ONLY tg parts.   

[Dingman.]

I always  line the alignment mark on the steering box shaft, to be parallel to the pitman arm.

I never really though of this though for being a return to center type of issue.  The toyota was generally good on alignment, tracking straight the steering felt good from what i recall.  Except that damn rag joint was super sloppy and always concerned me as a failure point.

[1985CRAWLER]

i recently put on a flat arm, i think it was Trail Girl but my box didnt have the alignment marks on the shaft and i forgot to mark it before i took off the old one and once i did the steering wheel went out of position and then i was SOL since i couldnt find the correct spot to put the arm on, now i have more steering to the left then to the right, it still tracks straight and the wheel is upright when going straight.
only have like 3 rotations to the right before the box stops it from turning more and have more to the left.

i guess i should fix this before fordyce/memorial day..

[Dirt Mover]

AP used to have directions on how to center the box. I used it a long time ago when installing my MC setup and it worked great.