Steering Gear: Adjustments

1. Remove steering gear from vehicle, then secure gear in a soft-jawed vise.
2. Measure pinion preload using pinion torque adapter T92C-35504-AH. Torque at neutral position +/- 90 degrees, should be 9-12 in lb. At any other position, torque should be 15 in lb.
3. If preload is not within specifications, loosen adjusting cover locknut, apply thread locking compound to exposed threads of adjusting cover, torque adjusting cover to 87 in lb using yoke plug adapter T81P-3504-U, then loosen it. Torque cover again to 39-48 in lb, then loosen 45 degrees.
4. Install adjusting cover locknut and torque to 36-43 ft lb using yoke locknut wrench T88C-3504-KH while holding adjusting cover. Do not allow adjusting cover to turn.