605 Box Locking up

[Bad55]

Guys in my Dads 57 he is having a problem with the steering locking up as he drives. Its a 605 box that is new along with an IDIDIT column which is also new. The car was on a lift and we were not able to turn the front wheels by hand:confused: Any way to tell if the problem is in the steering box or the cloumn? These were both just recently installed. Thanks in advance

[MikeKy55]

One or two piece box?

[Bad55]

I believe its a one piece box

[MikeKy55]

Well it could be a couple things, but start with the easiest first. Take the drag link loose from the pitman arm and turn the steering wheel lock to lock and see if it moves really free. If it feels like it's binding, loosen the column where it goes thru the firewall and see if it frees up. If it does not, loosen the three bolts holding the box to the frame and see if that changes anything. The reason for asking about 1 or 2 piece box is the two piece boxes are know for binding because of the frame bracket being welded on slightly off position. Lastly, the box could be adjusted too tight on the minor adjustment on top. But save that for last. New boxes feel a little tight until they wear in.
For your information, I can grab the wheel on either side while the car is on stands and turn them fairly easy. It's not like turning one with manual, but can be done without much effort.

[Bad55]

Well it could be a couple things, but start with the easiest first. Take the drag link loose from the pitman arm and turn the steering wheel lock to lock and see if it moves really free. If it feels like it's binding, loosen the column where it goes thru the firewall and see if it frees up. If it does not, loosen the three bolts holding the box to the frame and see if that changes anything. The reason for asking about 1 or 2 piece box is the two piece boxes are know for binding because of the frame bracket being welded on slightly off position. Lastly, the box could be adjusted too tight on the minor adjustment on top. But save that for last. New boxes feel a little tight until they wear in.
For your information, I can grab the wheel on either side while the car is on stands and turn them fairly easy. It's not like turning one with manual, but can be done without much effort.

Ok I appreciate the help ,someone else gave us the same advice so ill go with that. Thanks ill let you know how we make out.:cool: