Topic: Power Steering Control Valve rebuild- Ball not centered

[72Grabber]

I've rebuilt these PS Control Valves before without incident, but this one has me at a loss. It's a 1972 unit, used correct rebuild kit, all parts present, etc. Followed the Shop Manual to a tee.
Centering spring torqued to 90 in. lbs then backed off 1/4 turn. When testing the ball for free travel in vice (per shop manual) the ball/socket sleeve move as they should toward the center-link end, but barely move toward the valve body (if any, at all) and with great force required. It's not centered as it should be, only about 1/8-1/4" from the valve end of the housing socket opening.

I've gone through it a couple times and all seems correct, and always ends up with the same issue.

Anyone have any ideas?