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 Steering getting really stiff-is it the box?
#840908
10/11/07 05:37 AM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 135
OP
Wheeler
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The steering in my truck has started to get really stiff and "stagey" lately-not all of the time, but more often than not. (even stiffer than normal, this is an 85 with no power steering and 33" tires.) It also doesn't return to center when I turn a corner, you have to steer it back into a straight line. I jacked the front axle up so the wheels were off the ground, and the steering remained really stiff and heavy. Am I in the market for a replacement box, or could the problem be in the linkages somewhere?
85 Pickup, Desert tan spray job, 3" Rough Country lift, Marlin shackles+bumper, Chebby igniter, 33x10.5" BFG's
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Re: Steering getting really stiff-is it the box?
[Re: Multimetal]
#840909
10/11/07 07:29 AM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 409
Mudrunner
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Look at the suspension and steering parts. Especially look at the stuff coming out of the steering box. If something is broken or bent up it could cause stiffness in the steering.
-- Bryan
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Re: Steering getting really stiff-is it the box?
[Re: Multimetal]
#840910
10/11/07 02:53 PM
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 197
Wheeler
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85' 4x4 e-cab flatbed 22r carb ((SOLD))
86' 4runner, 22re , "60 buck truck"
95' 4runner, 22re,5sd, last of the good ones
02' Tacoma prerunner, 2.7L, 5spd., 4x4
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Re: Steering getting really stiff-is it the box?
[Re: Cholltero]
#840911
10/11/07 03:52 PM
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 163
Wheeler
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check your steering dampner, could be bent shaft or just locking up
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Re: Steering getting really stiff-is it the box?
[Re: Multimetal]
#840912
10/11/07 04:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,153
Web Wheeler
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If you want to narrow down the problem, disconnect parts and try them separately. For example, to test the box, remove the drag link, then try steering back and forth. At that point, you could also try moving the wheels back and forth by hand (wheels in the air) and see if the steering knuckles are smooth or not. Good time to check for steering knuckle play, grasp tires at 6 and 12 o'clock and feel for any play there.
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Re: Steering getting really stiff-is it the box?
[Re: 4Crawler]
#840913
10/11/07 06:33 PM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 135
OP
Wheeler
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Thanks for the ideas guys, will check those things out.
85 Pickup, Desert tan spray job, 3" Rough Country lift, Marlin shackles+bumper, Chebby igniter, 33x10.5" BFG's
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Re: Steering getting really stiff-is it the box?
[Re: Multimetal]
#840914
10/15/07 07:18 PM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 135
OP
Wheeler
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Update-I pulled the cap off of the top of the box,and it seems to steer much more smoothly now. I think that that cap covers a vent, so either the cap or vent is blocked with it on. Can I safely keep the cap off, or do I need to get a new one? Also, can I regrease/reoil the box anywhere? I don't see any fittings, etc. Thanks for any info!
85 Pickup, Desert tan spray job, 3" Rough Country lift, Marlin shackles+bumper, Chebby igniter, 33x10.5" BFG's
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Re: Steering getting really stiff-is it the box?
[Re: Multimetal]
#840915
10/15/07 07:23 PM
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 197
Wheeler
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make sure you haven't removed the scew tension portion of the box!
85' 4x4 e-cab flatbed 22r carb ((SOLD))
86' 4runner, 22re , "60 buck truck"
95' 4runner, 22re,5sd, last of the good ones
02' Tacoma prerunner, 2.7L, 5spd., 4x4
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Re: Steering getting really stiff-is it the box?
[Re: Cholltero]
#840916
10/15/07 08:12 PM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 135
OP
Wheeler
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Another update-finally got the FSM to work, realized that that is an oil filler vent! There's probably no oil in the box, I'll have to fill it and see if that helps any-thank God for the FSM!
85 Pickup, Desert tan spray job, 3" Rough Country lift, Marlin shackles+bumper, Chebby igniter, 33x10.5" BFG's
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