Just bought a '73 Hilux and my steering is pretty sloppy, like I can move the steering wheel back and forth 4-6 inches without the truck moving on the road much. I'm guessing it needs a steering box and maybe some other stuff. I'm not sure what years are compatible for this so I come to you guys for help. I'm in Eugene, OR.

Thanks

 

Info on cross compatible steering boxes would also be appreciated.

 

if a 90 steering box works for you i have one here ill let it go for cheap. ill try n find out if it'll cross over.

on a side note, you may want to check all your tie rod ends, (your inner and outers) your idler arm, and pitman arm for excessive play if you havent already. all these worn over time may actually be a more direct cause for excessively sloppy steering. have someone rock the steering back n forth while you lay under the vehicle and inspect for slop.

 

And the steering box does have an adjustment. Yours may just need to get cleaned out and reset to spec. I want to say all 69-78 hilux boxes are the same, due to the same frame design and steering. I don't think a later type will work. They were further forward and had the linkages in front of the crossmember. I don't have any, but if I see one in the yards ill let you know.

 

I haven't had a chance to look at the tie rods and stuff yet but I think the previous owner said he had them done, I'll have to go through the receipts and see.

Even knowing if I can use one from a 75-78 would help, but if you see one at a wrecker let me know, I still need to find some pedal covers.

 

I haven't found any in my parts bins yet but ill keep looking for ya. And ill do a little research about the steering box.

 

Another idea, see if you can find any part numbers on the box and ill compare to my 78. I don't know where they'd be but I doubt its blank if its the OEM box.

 

From the research I've done, it seems the 78 back and 79 up boxes are different. No shock there, its a totally different chassis. Coil springs and rear steer vs torsions and front steer. That part number idea may be the best one we have. Ill get my numbers tomorrow to compare.

 

I can't seem to find any part numbers on it, there is no plate and it is so filthy I can't see any stamped numbers on it either...

 

Anyone have one?

 

Still looking for one of these.

 

Have you tried making sure the lash adjuster is set to spec? It may be able to take some slop out.

 

I honestly don't know how to do that.

 

Check the chiltons book, but take the lock nut in the center loose, turn the stud til zero then back a half turn. That's probably not exact spec but the gist of it. It wouldn't hurt to take the top plate off with the 3 bolts and inspect it inside and change the oil. Just cause its a manual box doesn't mean they are dry inside.

 

Look at the top of the steering box and you'll find 4 bolts in a square pattern and one sticking up in the center of them. The one in the center is the only one you're concerned with. Most likely the screw that the locknut is threaded on needs a flat tip screwdriver to adjust it.


Hold the screw and back the nut off a few turns. Now tighten the screw till you feel resistance. Wiggle the steering wheel a bit and readjust. If it is tight anywhere from lock to lock loosen it up just a touch till there is no tight spot.


I have a good steering box from a 76 with all the tie rods etc I'd sell cheap but the furthest south I go is salem.

 

Thanks for the adjustment spec bud. I wanna check mine someday lol. Has gotten floatier over the years but isn't too bad yet. Sucks the trucks are so dang narrow or a rack and pinion woul be a nice mod.

 

Thanks for the pointer! Would the '76 box fit a '73?