I adjusted the steering gearbox on the 300TD... it is with in 1/2 turn of being all the way out to the limit. does that mean it is time to go searching for another gearbox, or will this last a year or two?

Also, I just put some new C/V Shaft's in the car today. the Rear ring and pinion looked ok, but the ?? (spyder gears? those that are inside the ring gear) Looked as if they were rather sharp edged. I think the rear differental has been run low on oil for a while... but it does not seem to make much noise other than at around 45 mph.. There was not any metal flakes in the oil so I am gonna hope for the best, does that sound foolish?

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46 WDX Power Wagon

84 300TDT daily driver

yes. it will last a long time. i have replaced steering boxes before and i am now pretty convinced that they werent worn out but my mechanic had turned the screw the wrong way to adjust it. if you can get the looseness mostly out it will last for thousands of miles more.
dont know about the diff except to say they are extremely long lived too. if not run low on grease. i only know of one that wore out and it was run a long time with two different sized rear tires and boiled the grease.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Thanks.

That is what I was hoping to learn, although I might pick up another steering gear if I come across one.. one never can have too meny extra parts, Right?

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46 WDX Power Wagon

84 300TDT daily driver

The steering box should not be touched until absolutely every piece of the front suspension is known to be in good condition. Taking the slop out of a car with worn suspension parts will cause your box to wear quicker. My 240D has never had to have the box adjusted.

Len
'83 240D 344,000 miles Original owner