BJ8 Steering Box Peg Replacement

[stever]

Is the steering box peg replaceable with the steering box still installed in the vehicle? The steering box peg is the bolt with the locking nut that you use to adjust the steering tightness with. I have adjusted mine to where the "slop" in the steering is gone, but there is a small initial "tight spot" now in the steering that I find annoying. Is there anything I should be aware of before I tackle this task? Thanks in advance!

 

[AndrewMawson]

IIRC the worm gear on the steering originally had different play or slop at different points. With the wheels dead ahead the play was at a minimum (so that's where is should be adjusted) and to either side there is more slop. If you take the play out at the wrong point it will be stiff at the ahead position.

Aftermarket worms are available with constant play.

 

[Stretch]

You need to either remove the lower steering arm and then pull up the peg and shaft about 1.5 inches to get clearance or remove the steering box entirely to replace the peg. Removing the lower steering arm can be very difficult while the box is in the car. That doesn't sound like the problem, though, as you describe it. The proper way to make the adjustment is tighten the screw so that you can just feel drag at the tightest spot as the steering is turned. There are two tight spots, one to either side of the straight forward position. If you can feel significant drag you have the adjustment too tight and can damage the peg and/or worm gear. Cost is big.

 

[Keoke]

Hi Stever;
Is the steering box peg replaceable with the box installed in the car, No! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonod.gif--- The "peg" is located in a needle bearing assy contained in a separate housing fitted in the head of the drop shaft and because all parts are generally worn the entire assembly should be replaced.
The steering box peg is "NOT" the bolt with the locking nut that you use to adjust the steering tightness.The box should have a small tightness at center without any load -steering arm free. If yours is tight at center back off the adjustment a little bit at the time until you are comfortable with it.I guess it is too tight now.Best to get a factory sevice manual and follow the instructions there.-FWIW---Keoke