Tight spot in steering, what could it be?

[jeremywrags]

Hi All,

I have a question about a tight spot in my steering on my 72 Jimmy 4X4.

So about a month ago I had a shop put in a new steering box, steering pump, all new bushings, wheel bearings, ball joints & tie rod ends, basically a new front end...

After leaving the shop my steering was better than before but by still no means good. I noticed that they did not replace the 40 year old rag joint so I though whatever I can do that myself.

Anyway a month later and I finally replaced the rag joint. Steering is much tighter now but I have somehow introduced a tight spot in my steering.

As I turn my wheel I feel like I have to put a little extra effort into the turn then suddenly it gives and steers like I would expect. This happens at about the same spot when turning the wheel multiple turns.

Any Ideas??????

FYI when I took off the rag joint, everything came apart quite easily, no hammering or prying so I doubt that I have bent anything but then who knows, what could I have done?

Thanks In Advance

 

[Fordum]

Not sure how, but it sounds like you have gotten something misaligned when you put the rag joint in.

The shaft and steering box shaft should be fairly closely aligned, but the rag joint will make up for some.

In your case, it sounds like you are exceeding its limits causing something to bind.

When you adjust, replace, or move something, and bad things happen, you always go back to what you did first.
I would inspect the rag joint carefully.

It would help for you to watch it while someone else turns it.

Also, be sure to check the frame where the box mounts for cracks. You would think the shop would have noticed some, but you never know.

If the frame is cracked, the box may have shifted.

 

[K5Zebra]

I think the problem you are describing could possibly an improperly setup steering box. you may need to back it off 1/8th a turn.

 

[K5Zebra]

ok scrap that. i just re read the post and saw it was happening multiple times. you may want to look into a universal joint to replace the rag joint.