steering racks

[markberry]

found the problem. I disconnected the steering, replaced the gaiters, filled the rack with Corn Head Grease and discovered the left kingpin was extremely stiff. I loosened the top nut and voila...the kingpin swiveled again. so....apparently when I had pulled the upper trunion attachment off to remove the offset Delrin bushings (and re-install the Prothane bushings) a couple of weeks ago, I must have lost a thrust washer shim. without knowing that and shoving the trunion pin in, then tightening the kingpin nut, i never noticed any drag because the steering link was still hooked up when I did that job, so I never bothered checking for proper swivel axle operation. now I know not to do that again! Murphy's law I suppose.
anyway thanks for all the replies!
mark

 

[twas_brillig]

I replaced gaiters a couple of years back and then spent some time with the zerk fitting out and pouring oil directly into the rack with a bunch of backing and forthing of the steering wheel. I don't remember what I used for oil (shop manual or modern equivalent) nor much more in the way of details. Doug

 

[nomad]

Mark, been there done that! I wouldn't have asked about trunnion shims if I hadn't.

Kurt

 

[hcallaway]

You guys are steps ahead of me with the steering but I am trying to take it all in. I think I would prefer a tight rack. �� Great problem solving.