on my 66 coupe i noticed that i have alot of play in the steering wheel side to side. i can turn it side to side about an 1in. or 2 before it responds. it has no power steering. could it need a new steeringbox?
I have the same issue, and was actually wondering the same thing while at work. I think the steering box can be rebuilt to fix this? Also is there anything to make the manual steering easier?
Mike
the steering box can be rebuilt. there is also an adjustment on the top of the box to allow for wear, but go easy on the adjustment as it is very easy to make things worse.
as far as making manual steering easier, you can install ball bearings in the idler arm, and you can reduce the amount of caster(dont do both though). you can also add a synthetic grease in the box as well.
The is a 5/8 nut on top of the box that you loosen. And a screw you tighten, then you tighten the nut back up. It's like a poly lock for a roller rocker. I would look into a ball joint being loose somewhere under there.
When changing my steering wheel I found a brass looking bushing just behind the wheel. It is "gunked" up and has to be adding to the effort it takes to turn. I have not consulted my manual to see if it needs grease or just cleaned and dry. Anyone know any tricks to reducing effort before the steering box?