Hello Forum,
Can someone positively confirm the size of the wrench I will need for the nut on the steering box that adjusts horizontal play?
I believe the top adjuster nut is 5/8"? I need the one on the rag joint side.
I'm getting ready to buy a wrench to adjust and want to confirm.
Thank you in advance.
Marshal

 

It appears you're talking about the worm bearing preload adjustment nut. Let me give you a bit of advice from a guy that has owned a '63 SWC since new and has been working on these cars ever since including overhauling my steering gear. About 9 out of 10 times owners try "adjusting" the steering gear in these cars they screw it up, sometimes doing damage. Consider that you are dealing with a car that is over 50 years old, you likely have zero maintenance/repair records, and the steering gear has likely never been competently adjusted or overhauled since it was built by GM.

It's not that hard for a competent amateur to overhaul the steering gear and set up the worm bearing preload and sector backlash adjustments to better than new standards. The procedure is in the 1963 Corvette Shop Manual and '66-up Chassis Overhaul Manuals. If you don't have one of these manuals, a 25 in-lb beam type torque wrench, and a spanner big enough to fit over the flats of the worm gear adjustment nut, remove the gear from the vehicle and send it to a professional. There are at least a couple mentioned multiple times on this forum that have very good reputations that can do a "blueprint" overhaul and , if you are doing NCRS flight judging ,provide a proper exterior finish and inspection marks for the exact OEM look.

Duke

 

I will yield to wisdom and leave it until I pull the steering box assembly and send it to Gary.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and expertise.
Marshal