Topic: Need help: 1981 manual steering box will not turn

[AZMT]

Just got done replacing pitman seal on 1981 manual steering box.  Test drive was short as the steering wheel would not move more than a couple inches in either direction.  I did not remove the worm gear from steering box.  However, I did not see the note in the FSM warning not to let the worm cycle to the end of the shaft.  The worm had slid down towards the end.  Does anyone have any experience with this type of problem?  I have not tore the steering box apart as its 106 in phoenix right now and I am pissed.  

[-Jake-]

i have one I'll send you for $20 plus shipping

[AZMT [OP]]

just sent you a pm.

[-Jake-]

just sent you a pm.

replied also mine is off of an 81 if that matters

[AZMT [OP]]

This morning at 2:30am (both the garage and I were cooler) I put the front axle on jacks with the idea of adjusting the screw on the side of the box.  I tightened the screw by hand and tried turn the steering wheel, no luck. However, I did notice the knock sound was not coming from the box, but from the firewall???  Prior to replacing the pitman seal I replaced most of my brake system - mc, brake booster, lspv.  This was about a month ago and I did not drive it after work.

Long story short, the brake booster diameter was larger than the orginal booster and the edge of the lock bolt on the steeing column was hitting the booster, thereby giving 1/16 turn lock to lock.

   

[kneedownnate]

I believe the only bigger booster you can swap to without clearance issues is the turbo unit.

[hilux-1983]

Soooo, you fixed it, or at least found out what the problem was?

[AZMT [OP]]

The problem was the lock bolt on the upper steering column u-joint.  To fix I removed about half of the bolt head with a makita sander and one of the washer.  I am not sure if this is a wise thing to do but it will have to do for now.  Steering turned free lock to lock.