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Mar 25, 2008 | 06:00 AM

mtwilsonboy

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From: Hershey PA.

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I have a 1982 corvette that I have been working on for quite a while now,and its almost ready for the road. While backing it out of the garage I noticed that it wont turn completely to the right. I tried every thing to corect this but could not change it. If the shaft coming out of the steering box would be splined all the way around instead of having four bars around the shaft I think it would be any easy fix. With those four thicker bars I can only put the pitman arm on one way that it will work, thus not letting me turn all the way to the right. I had all of the steering taken apart and cleaned up and replaced parts where I thought it needed. Any thought or sugestions appreciated. Maybe one of you guys ran into this at one time and can tell me what you did to fix this.
Thanks,

Mar 25, 2008 | 09:50 AM

kevinator80

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From: Lafayette Louisiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtwilsonboy

With those four thicker bars I can only put the pitman arm on one way that it will work,

The origional arm?

If it will only go on one way you must have something else assembled incorrectly.

I am sure you are saying "boy that sure helps", but think about it. You say you completely disassembled everthing for cleaning and it worked prior to this so the pitman arm is not your problem. Personally, I like stuff that fits only one way; that way I know I didn't mess it up.

Mar 25, 2008 | 12:41 PM

~~ctgene~~

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From: Oldsmar FL

if you don't have an assembly manual I would suggest getting one...you can get one from most of the supporting vendors or even check fleabay...I use mine for my '79 all the time...

Mar 25, 2008 | 02:08 PM

1Fordman

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From: Marina CA

This a basic test. Turn your wheels lock to lock, count the turns then go back exactly 1/2 way. This should be the center point and your wheels should be pointing straight ahead. If the pitman arm will not go back on there's another problem.

What else was done to the steering? Was anything internal done to the steering box or ram?

Mar 25, 2008 | 06:42 PM

mtwilsonboy

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From: Hershey PA.

Yes I did Have the Steering box off And apart. I looked inside to see condition and clean and pack with grease.

Mar 26, 2008 | 12:37 AM

73, Dark Blue 454

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From: Austin TX

Sounds like your pitman wasn't phased correctly (pointing in the right direction) before you bolted up the tie rods and you're maxing out the gear in the steering box.

Disconnect the tie-rods and straighten out the Pitman (should be pointing north and south in relation to the car. Then make sure your steering wheel is clocked (aligned) correctly. Then reattach the tie-rods with the wheels pointing straight. You'll have the car aligned later.

If that's not it, you have a parts mismatch somewhere.

Good and let us know.

Mar 26, 2008 | 06:26 AM

mtwilsonboy

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From: Hershey PA.

I tried what you said and because the shaft on the steering box is not splined completely around it just wont go onwhere it should. I have to move the pitman arm slightly to the left or right to get it on, which puts me right back where I was. I would buy a new steering box if I thought thats what it is but I cant be sure.

Thanks,