I don't suspect the gear yet, but read on:
Ok, I'm back pulling my hair out - my gear is 100% centered, and my wheels aligned, but I can't connect the steering shaft to the gear and rag joint unless the steering wheel is turned almost 90 degrees to the right. I see no way to independently adjust the steering wheel to the gear - adjusting the tie rods to straighten the steering wheel will just move the gear off center, which means no easy left u-turns because the gear has an extra quarter turn to the right. Can the steering wheel be pulled and its mounting adjusted, with the other parts still functional? I've pulled the wheel many times in the past to replace broken cancelling cams, bad ignition switches, malfunctioning horns, etc., but I can't remember as it's been over 20 years! The old gear and rag joint were worn, but not that much - the car drove straight with a straight steering wheel - there was just a little too much play...help!
