I've owned my 1969 Dart for about 10 years and it's always had a little shimmy in the steering wheel at highway speed (70 mph). Could this be a worn out manual steering box or should I be looking somewhere else? Is it possible to adjust the steering box?

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EARL

Assuming you're not still on the same tires as ten years ago I'd look carefully at the wheels, axles and front hubs. I'd put the car on stands and break out my dial indicator, but that's just me.

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Joshua

There are in fact two adjustments to be made to the steering box, see here.

Shimmy at highway speeds can also be caused by out-of-round or out-of-balance tires and/or wheels, loose ball joints, or looseness in other steering and suspension components and bushings.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Check for any crud build up stuck to the inner side of the wheel. I have had dried mud and at times ice cause a tire imbalance. Once removed all is ok. A bent rim will sometimes cause a vibration, or shimmy, as well as a broken cord in the tire carcass which is harder to detect untill it gets real bad.

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC

....and idler arm bushings.

You have to get it off the ground and move and shake everything. Shimmy is usually caused by some kinda slack.

When was the last time it was on a hoist?

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Yeah....Im the one who destroyed this rare, vintage automobile.....

What Sandy said, idler arm bushing or pitman arm bushing possibly.
Have a helper turn the steering wheel back and forth while looking at all the linkage keeping an eye out for any suspect play.

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<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/2992308402_5481afb26e_t.jpg">

Thanks for all the good info. I'll check it out tomorrow.

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EARL