Steering box adjustment question
 

Hey Guys,

1997 Cherokee with power steering (obviously). I adjusted the pitman shaft adjustment screw on my steering box by about 2 turns and with no noticeable improvement. I think I need to adjust the bearing preload. My question is: how far should I back out the adjustment screw before adjusting the preload? Also, would I need to adjust it again after setting the preload? Thanks!

If you have to adjust the box the box is gone and needs to be replaced from my experience. You can get a re-man box for $150 or you can spend $300 for a Redhead box. I have a Cardone box in mine and it has no play and steers great!

I used this video;

Are you saying that you adjusted the allen set-screw 2 full turns? That seems like a lot for me, I think I went about 1/4 of a turn and the box started binding up, so I backed off until there was no more whine from the gearbox, but less play then when I started (still more play then I wanted)

Finally just rebuilt the whole thing which really tightened things up, made it feel like a new car

Yeah, that is what I was thinking as well, probably shot beyond repair. Anyway, ordered a Cardone rebuilt on Amazon...FYI they are offering a $95 core rebate so the box only cost me $67! Check it out:

Wow! That's stupid cheap! I paid $150 for mine. You'll love the new box it makes such a huge a difference and it's easy to replace.

Sounds like the gear box is shot like you said.
I don't want to be a buzz kill on your killer deal but Cardone remans are usually crap. I went through three off the shelf before I got one with no play & the third one lasted a year before the play was back (2in side to side) and a b**tch to steer on road. You get what you pay for $ I spent the coin on a PSC and no play going on 10yrs now. Just thought it was worth saying. But either way, I hope you get a good one. Good luck!

yeah I saw that too but when I went past 2 full turns I figured it was something more than the adjustment. Went to this: http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1997/19-10-97.htm but I figured with the deal I got it would be better just to replace the whole damn thing.