Community Forums

Cuda67bnl · 09-20-2022, 12:44 PM

How far can you guys turn your steering wheel each direction? I just noticed that mine will turn 2 full turns to the left, but only 1.5 to the right. Thought maybe my steering gear/arm was off center, but it doesn't look like it. And it still has the caulk looking stuff on the threads/nut from when it was assembled new.

wolfe10 · 09-20-2022, 12:47 PM

Do you have the same "cut angles" in each direction.

Said another way do you have the same "steering knuckle to stop" clearance in both directions?

What steering box? I know the Sheppard M100 has easily adjustable cut angles. Might check to see what box you have and if has adjustable cut angles/

Cuda67bnl · 09-20-2022, 12:59 PM

Front wheels definitely cut farther to the left....... I'll try to get some pics or video later.

wolfe10 · 09-20-2022, 01:05 PM

Let us know what steering box you have (make and model likely embossed on the outside of the steering box).

For sure, the Sheppard M100 is easy to adjust cut angle with just a small standard screwdriver.

Cuda67bnl · 09-20-2022, 03:46 PM

It's an M-80 box. I did some googling, and found how to adjust it. So I'm gonna give that a whirl. Thanks, Brett.

Cuda67bnl · 09-20-2022, 04:56 PM

The plunger adjustment holes were clogged with dirt. The upper one, which I need to adjust, is also rusted and can't turn the screw. Got it filled with pb blaster to see if it'll free up. I'm confident if it'll free up, that it will solve the problem. I'm nowhere close to hitting the axle stop, or anything else on the chassis.

wolfe10 · 09-20-2022, 05:28 PM

Mechanical stops stop wheels/tires from contacting body or chassis elements.

The steering box adjustment screws stop movement about 1/8" before contacting mechanical stops (I use a 1/8" piece of aluminum as a "feeler gauge").

Very easy job with two people-- one to turn the steering wheel, one to make adjustments/verify clearances.

Cuda67bnl · 09-20-2022, 07:14 PM

I decided to turn the bottom screw just to check. Turns out it was the right one. 4 turns out, and I now can turn 1 3/4 turns to the right. Since I had started working on an adult beverage, I stopped there. I’ll mess with it some more tomorrow, when it’s daylight, and I can keep an eye on any issues. Then take it for a spin. I’ve never been able to turn right out of my driveway without stopping, and backing up a bit, then going again, in order to clear my mailbox. I’m betting that issue will be gone. Thanks again, Brett.

wolfe10 · 09-21-2022, 07:27 AM

There are some critical issues when maximizing cut angle adjustments.

KEY items are that the mechanical stops absolutely prevent tire/wheel contact with body or suspension components. Even if that wheel position is not exactly at ride height-- like when going over bumps or through dips.

Second key item is that the steering box plungers are set so that the steering knuckle NEVER touches the mechanical stop, as that can blow the seals from the steering box as hydraulic PSI goes way up. This is where I use a 1/8" piece of aluminum as a "feeler gauge".

Yes, it is a bit of adjustment, recheck, reset, adjust to fine tune this.

If questions, PM me your phone number and we can visit. Again all this assumes that you have a Sheppard M100 steering box or one that adjusts the same as the M100 with the two small plunger screws, one on top and one on the bottom of the steering box.

Cuda67bnl · 09-21-2022, 08:49 AM

You also have to make sure the pitman arm and drag link don’t make a straight line. I understand how everything works. The plungers cause the pressure to be released before hitting the stops. I’m assuming that nobody ever adjusted the box on that side when the chassis was built. It was still set to minimum turn angle as it would’ve came from Sheppard when new. Gonna tweak it some more today. It would sure be easier to set it all over a pit. Maybe I’ll dig me one for Christmas, lol.

wolfe10 · 09-21-2022, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuda67bnl

You also have to make sure the pitman arm and drag link don’t make a straight line.

Ya, something would drastically mis-installed for that to happen.

Cuda67bnl · 09-21-2022, 12:07 PM

Well I can now turn right out of my drive, without stopping, backing up a bit, then going again. Can also turn around in my yard much easier. Made a huge difference in manuverability.