Power steering box question

I just switched out my manuel box and put a power one in. I have it bolted in along with the new rag joint bolted up. I now have to bolt up the pitman arm but not sure if the box is at center anymore. Reason being is that when I hooked up the new rag it didn't line up in the same spot as the old one.My steering wheel is not at center anymore.It's off allmost a half turn.Is there anyway to center the new box without hooking it up and starting up the motor.Hopefully they can fix the steering wheel with a front end elinement.

Steve w:confused:

What about disconnecting the pitman arm and turning the wheel back to where it needs to be? Or disconnect the rag joint halves, spin the wheel around, then connect the rag joint back together?

Right now I am in the process of putting new headers on.I have to take the drivers side back off and dimple them at the box and at the pitman just a little.So I should just put the wheel at center, start it up, and then hook up the pitman?

Steve w

When I replaced my steering box, I made sure the wheels were pointing straight, then I connected the pitman arm to the steering linkage. If you're steering wheel is upside down, you can unbolt the rag joing and spin the wheel 180* and the bolt the rag joint back together. If the steering wheel is still crooked, you'll need to get an alignment or pull the pitman arm off the box and move it a few splines (trial and error).

I tried moving the rag joint back and fourth with the same results. I guess I will wait and start it up which will center the box and then line up the pitman the best I can and then bring it and have it lined up.How close should the header tube be from the steering box.It's about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch away. one tube is also every close to the nut on pitman arm.With the headers on I would not be able to take off the arm without denting it. I hate to dimple these seeing I just paid like $569 for these.Hooker super comps with coating.


steve w:D

If you have to "ding" the header, don't just smack it with a hammer. Use an old socket (or something similar) and lay it across sideways where you need to "ding" it and then hit THAT with the hammer.

Drive WFO, Thanks for all the help. Can't wait to get it finished and start driving it again.


steve w:D