when you get it free, put some anti-sieze lube on the threads.

 

what is the anti sieze lube you talk of? Maybe a brand or name.

 

try using a wrench to hold the nut and use an impact driver on the set screw. that might break it free. i am about to try this on my truck in the morning.

 

That is exactly what i did... didn't work w/the impact driver because the fan was in the way and I couldn't get a straight enough shot w/enough force to get it loose. I tried a few times, but I resorted to the largest flathead screw driver we had. One of those huge ones. I had a wrench on the jam screw and the turned the pre-load screw counter clockwise and it came loose w/a LOT of force. I had been spraying it w/wd40 for about a day too to help loosen it.

I haven't driven it yet, but I'm sure this was the problem. I will post back on the results.

 

Any auto parts store will have that stuff, usually a small tube with a silver colored grease in it.

And for penetrating oil, WD40 is not a good choice, get something like PB Blaster or Kroil or something designed to penetrate and loosen rusted parts. One other thing to try is a screwdriver bit in a socket and then you can hold a wrench on the nut and then turn the screw with a ratchet.

 

I would have tried the socket w/a screw driver but I didn't have the tool for that. I did get it loose though and I tightened the screw. Made my steering a lot better.

Thanks for the products you listed. They are on my list for things to get.

 

can you tighten this bolt too much?

 

I suppose if you get it to the point the sector shaft will not rotate, yes, but given that it is a slotted screw, you can't really put that much torque on it. I usually go as tight as I can get it and then lock it down.

 

that's what i did but i did notice more resistance in the steering so i thought I'd ask to be sure. what do you run as far as alignment. i just need to get through the winter and then i'm putting in my high steer. i think i have it about 1/8" toe out and its better then it was but then again i also adjusted the gear box.

 

I use around 1/8" toe IN on my '85:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...html#Alignment

 

Just fixed a steering box play issue the gears on the inside are tapered and there’s a adjustment screw on top of the box (same on power steering no power steering) that basically pushes the gears into each other until they mesh properly they get loose due to normal wear with these trucks being around 40 years old

 

Check out 6th Gear Garage on You Tube. He has a video on adjusting the steering box play. You need to move the adjustment screw a little at a time and you do not want to overtighten it or you will have wear issues. IIRC there is an instruction in the FSM on this.