[toolmangary]

Actually there is a procedure to adjust the preload on a steering gear. You should really remove the gear from the vehicle first. You need a inch lbs dial torque wrench, then you need to connect it to the input shaft, I have made sockets from old rag-joints and welded a socket to them. So while you rotate the input shaft through the center (center would be the position it's in going straight down the road) you need to adjust the preload to 3-12 inch lbs while rotating the input shaft (on a SD truck) most vehicles are 15-18. I can tell you that just 1* of rotation on that slotted adjusting screw makes a measurable difference, and you will have a different measurement for CW and CCW rotation, that's why you have a range.
The procedure and specs are in almost every shop manual, I just checked Alldata for the SD specs.

 

[toolmangary]

So what exactly does Redhead do to his steering gears that makes them better than OEM?

 

[toolmangary]

I'm just curious what he is doing, are they suppose to have a better "feel" ?? or does he just rebuild them to a better standard than parts store brands?
Usually I find the sector shaft rusty and it leaks, so I replace the sector shaft with a new OEM, replace the seals and it's all set, unless it's a Dodge, then you throw it in the scrap pile and get a new one from the dealer.LOLLOLLOL

 

[toolmangary]

I'll be buying one for my 97 soon enough, can't wait

Actually your steering gear is real easy to go through, what is wrong with it?
If your interested I can explain to you how to do, usually they need a new sector shaft which you can buy separate from the dealer, then get a seal kit.