I have looked through multiple different threads from all sorts of sites that give different opinions on this subject, but they all come to different conclusions. Here are the questions I have:

1. Are the wheels supposed to be ON or OFF the ground when I adjust the box?
2. Do I tighten it 1/4 of a turn, 1/8 of a turn, or 1/16 of a turn?
3. Do I go for a test drive each time I tighten it a little bit?
4. Do I take the box out of the Jeep or leave it in there to adjust it? How hard would it be to remove it?
5. What is "binding" and how exactly to I know it's happening?
6. Some say that when you adjust the box, it's about to bite the dust. Is this because it was maladjusted or because it's simply old and worn out?

Thanks in advance. I really don't want to screw this up because a new steering box costs a pretty penny.

 

I adjusted mine 1/4 of a turn, it tightened it up some, and I haven't had any problems since. I did it with the box still in and the front tires on the ground, I pulled the electric fan out to get to it.

 

Proper? Outside of the vehicle on a bench.

 

Like firebane said on the bench with a service manual but they can be adjusted on the vehicle. What I did, with my rebuilt box, was had the wheels centered and adjusted 1/8 turn while rocking the steering shaft until I noticed the rims starting to move. I then turned the wheel lock to lock to make sure the steering was smooth and even throughout the whole range before the test drive. On the test drive I rocked the wheel back and forth rapidly feeling for play or tightness (do this on a road with little traffic). Keep in mind the steering will always feel sloppy, it's just the nature of the beast with a solid axle and the amount of linkages we have on these Jeeps. Before adjusting the box check every suspension part even the sway bar and the links can cause some slop if they're worn badly.

 

Okay, thanks guys. I'm probably going to do it with the steering box still in the Jeep. Hopefully it helps.