Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET1983STEP VAN P20, 6.2 J, AUTOMATIC, 400/M40REPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)STEERINGSTEERING GEAR - MANUALREMOVAL & INSTALLATIONSTEERING GEAR
1983 Chevrolet Step Van P20, 6.2 J, Automatic, 400/M40
Steering Gear
1983 Chevrolet Step Van P20, 6.2 J, Automatic, 400/M40SECTION Steering Gear
- Set front wheels in straight-ahead position. Remove flexible coupling-to-steering shaft flange bolts or lower universal joint pinch bolt. Mark position of universal yoke-to-worm shaft.
- Mark relationship of pitman arm-to-sector shaft. Remove pitman arm using puller (J-6632). Remove steering gear mounting bolts and remove gear assembly.
- Install flexible coupling on worm shaft aligning flat on coupling with flat on shaft. Push coupling on shaft until shaft hits shoulder. Install pinch bolt. The pinch bolt must pass through the shaft undercut.
- Place gear in position, guiding coupling bolt into steering shaft flange. Install gear-to-frame bolts. Tighten bolt to specification.
- If flexible coupling alignment pin plastic spacers are used, make sure they are bottomed on pins, then tighten flange bolt nuts and remove plastic spacers. Spacers aid in centering pins and maintain correct coupling-to-flange dimension.
- Check that flexible coupling-to-steering shaft flange dimension is .250-.325" (6.35-8.25 mm). See Fig 1 . If flexible coupling alignment pin plastic spacers are not used, center pins in slots in steering shaft flange and tighten flange bolt nuts.
NOTE:
Plastic spacers must be removed before driving vehicle.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.