steering box
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,737
Likes: 179
From: Western Mass
If you have a good pitman arm puller, it should come off in the truck no problem. Otherwise you have to figure out a way to clamp the box down when you go to tighten the puller. Tighten it up good, smack lightly with a hammer, retighten and smack again if needed. The right sized puller will do the tie rods without damaging the rubber seals like a pickle fork would.
While under there check out all the tie rods to make sure they are still in good shape. Since you said you were wheeling, check to see that they aren't bent either. I did a number on my drag link a few weeks ago when I accidentally hit a stump.. it wasn't pretty.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,493
Likes: 3
From: NY
Very good point there. Also the nut will prevent the tie rod, or pitman arm, from smacking you in the face/head when it pops off.
If you have a good pitman arm puller, it should come off in the truck no problem. Otherwise you have to figure out a way to clamp the box down when you go to tighten the puller. Tighten it up good, smack lightly with a hammer, retighten and smack again if needed. The right sized puller will do the tie rods without damaging the rubber seals like a pickle fork would.
While under there check out all the tie rods to make sure they are still in good shape. Since you said you were wheeling, check to see that they aren't bent either. I did a number on my drag link a few weeks ago when I accidentally hit a stump.. it wasn't pretty.
If you have a good pitman arm puller, it should come off in the truck no problem. Otherwise you have to figure out a way to clamp the box down when you go to tighten the puller. Tighten it up good, smack lightly with a hammer, retighten and smack again if needed. The right sized puller will do the tie rods without damaging the rubber seals like a pickle fork would.
While under there check out all the tie rods to make sure they are still in good shape. Since you said you were wheeling, check to see that they aren't bent either. I did a number on my drag link a few weeks ago when I accidentally hit a stump.. it wasn't pretty.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,737
Likes: 179
From: Western Mass
What I should maybe say is that if you don't have a sturdily mounted vice that will fit the steering box, it might be easier to at least loose up the nut while its on the truck. Especially if you don't have an impact. The first time I took one off I didn't have an impact, or a socket that fit. Ended up using a pipe wrench with a 3 foot pipe on the end of it, and even then it was a bitch to loosen.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 0
From: Kville, ohio
its easier to remoce the tie rod from the pitman arm, i just loosen the nut and hit the side of the pitman arm with a hammer untill the taper breaks, useing a fork usually screws the boot and hitting the stud usually f's the threads. as for the lock nut, i sues a 1 5/16 3/4 inch drive socket and impact, spun it right off
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 407
Likes: 2
From: Colorado
hey another question. sorry i just havnt worked with steering and suspension as much as everything else...
when i get the new box on and put fluid in dose it need to be bled? do i need to do anything special sense almost all of its drained out?
thanks for the help guys
when i get the new box on and put fluid in dose it need to be bled? do i need to do anything special sense almost all of its drained out?
thanks for the help guys
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,493
Likes: 3
From: NY
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Eaton, CO
How'd it turn out?
I bought a rebuilt steering gear from Autozone. The first one was defective (steered like **** in one direction and good the other direction), so had to repeat the entire procedure with another rebuild from Autozone. The second one was good.
I bought a rebuilt steering gear from Autozone. The first one was defective (steered like **** in one direction and good the other direction), so had to repeat the entire procedure with another rebuild from Autozone. The second one was good.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,851
Likes: 3
From: Buckley, WA
I was in a sticky situation once, long story short I used dot 3 brake fluid and it worked very well. Once I made it home I drained it all out. Could that cause any problems?
