Steering Issues help

[verdejor]

Ok. Having problems with my '64

I have play at the steering wheel (car has JUST been aligned). Car rides straight as an arrow. BUT I have 2-3 inches of play from side to side on the steering before I feel/steering begins to turn at the wheels.

Looking from under the car and also at the gearbox--where the steering wheel splines attach this is my observation: I can turn the steering from the rag joint from side to side without being able to move the wheels. the rag joint is tight (fine) and the joint bolts at retightened and do not skip on the mating teeth of coupler. It seems as if the steering box has play, I would think the steering wheel would be nice and tight and any little movement from the steering should begin to actuate/move the wheels. I have tried turning in/out the adjustment screw at the gear box with no improvements. car is a little better and safer without powersteering attached. If i hit a pothole or uneven road, it is difficult to make steering adjustments...I look like a drunk driver. help!

[boaterbob]

I would lay under car and have someone turn the wheel back and forth. See if you have any play in Tie rod ends, Etc. If not you should see it in the gear box.

[verdejor]

thx for the reply. Yes, I checked the tie rod ends. Everything tight there. I think it's my gearbox. I can see the steering turn without any change to the wheels...then once I feel pressure at the steering (and verified by my dad when he feels tension at wheel) I can see the wheels begin to turn. It's as if there is play at the gearbox. Also noticed the gearbox is leaking. guess I gotta change it. yikes. that thing weighs quite a bit to hold up while someone bolts it in place!