Told I needed a new steering box in order to pass inspection

[dustystrucktoo]

took my 1978 tow truck in for inspection.  The steering was loose, but I am used to it.  I was told that I needed new lower ball joints and a new steering box.  >>>>>  OK, I agree with the ball joints.  I however did not agree with the statement of needing a new steering box.  I decided to take a look and there was no leaks......!!!  The bolt to adjust the end play was sticking way way up.  I loosened up the holding nut, twisted the bolt down till it stopped,  Tightened the nut and about broke my box.  Steering was way too tight.  Loosened the nut up again and turned out the adjusting bolt a couple of turns.  I do believe that I have about an inch of play.. 
NEW STEERING BOX?    How about knowing how to adjust the steering box to take out some of the play in the steering.?!
If the shop mechanic knew more about my truck than I do.... If the shop mechanic knew as much as I do, he would have adjusted the play out of the steering. 

Can I get an honorary automotive technician degree from anywhere? 

[VileZambonie]

Well you definitely should not have done that with the adjustment. I've posted a few times how to properly set the high point lash. Try searching. Check the front end yourself, have an assistant rock the wheel back and fourth while you observe the steering and suspension for wear. Make sure the box is attached to the frame and the frame isn't flexing or cracked. Observe the steering shaft vs pitman arm movement etc etc.

I teach Automotive Technology and yes you can get a degree.

[Blazin]

I have never messed with a steering box adjustment bolt. I new a kid in high school that did it to his Nova, thought he was ace boon coon until about three days later he went around a corner, and no steering at all. Clipped a telephone pole on the other side of the road clean off, then rolled the car down over and embankment.

[modular93fox]

yeah, he probally told you you needed a new gear box becuase of the free play. i was a state inspector for texas and if there is more than 2 inches of free play in the steering your car fails. if you can imagine this... turn your steering wheel to the left and as soon as you notice your wheel move, stop. make a mental picutre of a mark or something on the steering wheel and some relation on the dash. now turn the steering wheel to the right and stop when the wheels move. kinda estimate the distance between those two "marks" and if its more than 2 " you fail. there is a specific way to adjust the free play in the steering gear box by adjusting that nut and bolt. ive never done it and only studied it once so i cannot tell you how to do it. surprized you didint destroy your gear box by jacking with it.
clint