Truck Repair: loose steering, detroit diesel engine, pitman arm

Question
Hi  Van , I have a 1973 Imperial fire engine with a 6n71 detroit diesel engine.I bought it at a city auction and spend my time restoring it. I went through a DMV inspection and I was told my steering has too much play. The comment on the report is : A slip joint has a rotation play of more than 0.05 in. between the splines or a vertical play of more than 1/4 inch in the shaft. do you know what this means ? Does it sound expensive to repair ?

Thanks

Pete

Answer
Hi Pete,
6n71?? Not a 6V71??

Doesn't matter, though.
I think the play they are feeling is in the steering gear box Pitman shaft, and should be adjustable.

First make sure the bolts holding the gearbox to the frame are tight.
Then get a manual...old Motors truck manual at the public library, refference section.

Basically, you lift the front wheels off the ground so you can turn the steering wheel through its full travel with no outside load. Actually you are supposed to disconnect the linkage from the pitman arm.
There is an adjusting screw with a lock nut, directly opposite where the shaft comes out of the gearbox.
Adjust that screw till there is just a hint of drag as the steering wheel passes through the straight ahead position.

That is a normal adjustment for one type of manual steering gear, but really, you should look in a manual to make sure on yours. There are different types of gears, and the adjustments differ.

Doesn't sound like yours is worn out, so should be cheap.

Van