PST 20:1 new steering very tight..

[icetech]

So, i decided to go manual and ordered a new 20:1 manual box from PST, it showed up today and on the bench i couldn't move the input shaft by hand, putting on the coupler (bigger diameter) i could turn it but it was very tight til it got near the end of each direction then it loosened up..

I have never owned a new steering box before, is this normal til they break in or should it be smooth and easy by hand? I emailed PST but no reply yet.. thanks guys

 

[dadsbee]

Tight is better than loose, No need I bet to tell ya that!

@hunt2elk is that the box you used Joel????

 

[icetech]

Tight is better than loose, No need I bet to tell ya that!

My old power one turns wih barely any effort.. but 100k miles prolly made it like that.. i overthink stuff and expected this to turn easy. or at least smooth and even through it's travel

 

[hunt2elk]

Tight is better than loose, No need I bet to tell ya that!

@hunt2elk is that the box you used Joel????

Yes, I have 2 of the 20:1's, one on each B-body. And one of their 16:1's on my Duster.

 

[icetech]

Yes, I have 2 of the 20:1's, one on each B-body. And one of their 16:1's on my Duster.

Do you remember if they were crazy tight on the bench before you put them in?

 

[icetech]

ahh.. did a little research and seems they are made to be a bit tighter in the center since that's where they spend most of their lives... my stupid brain making up **** to worry bout about again

 

[68jim]

I picked up a new 24:1 manual box from S&G last year at Carlisle. I was very tight as you describe. I had to put a glove on to get enough grip to turn it. Once it was installed it drove very nice... No more dead spot in the middle.

 

[icetech]

I picked up a new 24:1 manual box from S&G last year at Carlisle. I was very tight as you describe. I had to put a glove on to get enough grip to turn it. Once it was installed it drove very nice... No more dead spot in the middle.

Awesome, thanks for that And i wish i knew why my brain is like this.. i have to be stressed about something 24/7 i didn't used to be like this and i kinda hate it..

 

[hunt2elk]

Do you remember if they were crazy tight on the bench before you put them in?

They were tight when unboxed just as you described, but perfect once installed.

 

[icetech]

They were tight when unboxed just as you described, but perfect once installed.

Thanks

 

[j-c-c-62]

ahh.. did a little research and seems they are made to be a bit tighter in the center since that's where they spend most of their lives... my stupid brain making up **** to worry bout about again

I disagree, it's a fair question, and evidently not one often asked it appears.