Question concerning centered steering wheel.

[D-Caf]

Ok, I put a ZQ8 steering box and new pitman arm into the truck this weekend. Problem is that now the wheels center point is now about 10 degrees off to the right. So though the car tracks in a nice straight line and doesn't pull to either side, my steering wheel looks like I'm making a very slight right turn. This is really annoying for my hand position on the wheel.

So how can this be fixed? I thought I could just take the pitman arm off, adjust the steering wheel to center and reattach the pitman arm. I've been told this won't work as the pitman arm is keyed to a specific point on the steering box the same way the steering wheel shaft is keyed to a specific point on the steering box. Is this true, the pitman arm mount looked like it could be be bolted on at any angle?

If not, then how do you get the steering wheel re-centered? Do I have to go get an alignment done (which I will do anyways when I get the lowerball joints replaced) or is there some other way?

Thanks for any clues. Just wanted to get some opinions before I got tearing things apart.

[Mikz86TA]

Alignment shop can ger it centered when thats done. You can remove and reinstall the steering wheel itself. IDK if the pitman arm on the s-series has a keyslot. Be sure if you are attempting to do it yourself for now, drive the truck on a flat area letting it self-straighten to the surface. No matter how the wheel is off-center. Just this will be sure you are true in the tracking of the wheels straight. Then stop the truck when you feel it perfect. Remove the steering wheel and center. Thats the best way to do it 'backyard style'. =)

[87wildside]

On first gens its keyed (Steering wheel) and I would think it's standard practice for GM. In other words you can't re-clock the steering wheel.

[Hammer Head]

Either undo the steerin wheel & get it centered or undo the rag joint, turn the wheel where you want it & then put the back on the splines. That's all this issue is.. you're just off a few splines from where it was originally.

[D-Caf]

Actually the splines where the rag joint connects to the steering box is keyed. It will only go on in one position. That was the first thing I tried after I noticed the steering off (which was a pain to get to with the S/C installed). Also, unsure on the steering wheel, it's got an airbag in it, and don't want to screw that up. I'll have to take a look at the manuals and see how easy it is to remove and reinstall the wheel.

Thanks so far. If the steering wheel trick isn't easy, then I'll just have it re-aligned when I take it in to get the lowerball joints replaced.

[Mikz86TA]

there are a couple screws from the backside I think is all that hols the airbag assembly on. Disconnect battery. Unplug at column base.

[Sparky2263]

I'll just have it re-aligned when I take it in to get the lowerball joints replaced.

Yup, that's the deal.

Actually, if you don't mind turning both tie rod adjusters equal amounts (about a 1/4 turn to take care of what you've got) and paying attention to which direction you're going, you can get it close if not perfect.

Otherwise, Plan A......

[D-Caf]

Thanks, I'm not going to mess with my alignment, I like having it go nice and straight, so that would be a Plan A, take it to the alignment people have the computer tell them what to do.