mooregw

i have a 71 340 duster manual steering the steering box has a little play is there anyway to tighten that up any help would be great thanks

Marc Greenleaf Jr

I would first check for play in the ball joints. If they are tight. Have someone move the wheel back and fourth while you watch the pitman arm that are attached to the bottom of the steering box. If the wheel is moving, but the pitman arm is not, you can try and tighten the steering box, ut with the age of the car that may have already been done to the extent the bushing is worn out.
On top of the steering box there is a nut with a screw in the center of it. Loosen the nut and turn the screw in until it stops. Do not over tighten, just until it stops, then back the screw out 1/4 turn and retighten the nut.
If the bushing is over worn, you may find that this will cause the steering to bind or get tighter when you turn the wheel. If this happens, you will likely need to have the steering box rebuilt. If you pull it out, I beleive Napa can send it out and have it rebuilt for about $130. When you put it back in it would be wise to get an alignment.