92 F150 Steering Box

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May 26, 2003 | 09:21 AM

blue92f150

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92 F150 Steering Box

I have a 92 F150 4x4 with a Skyjacker Lift that I just bought used. I'm not sure if it is a 4 or 6 inch lift. It looks like my steering box is leaking fluid. I assume it will needs to be replaced. A few questions:

1. Is there such a thing as a "Heavy Duty" steering box? Favorite brands?

2. Is it hard to replace the steering box? Any special tools required?

3. When replacing the box, should I also replace the suspension bushings too?

Thanks. Jim B.

May 26, 2003 | 09:32 AM

MustangGT221

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From: Topsfield, MA

92 F150 Steering Box

Well the box doesn't have anything to do with the suspension bushings. But the hardest part of getting the box out is getting the fluid lines off the box. You'll need some fitting wrenches, a small torch, and a 5/8 wrench for the 3 bolts on the frame. What you do is remove the pitman arm with a puller. Then remove the bolt from the steering shaft. Remove the fluid lines, remove the 3 bolts going through the frame to the box, and pull it out. Be careful because it is very heavy and in an awkward spot to remove.

May 26, 2003 | 10:48 AM

blue92f150

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92 F150 Steering Box

What is the torch for!!??

What are fitting wrenches? For taking off the fluid lines?

Where can I get a pittman arm puller?

Thanks again!

Jim B.

May 26, 2003 | 12:14 PM

MustangGT221

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From: Topsfield, MA

92 F150 Steering Box

The torch is to heat up the nuts on the fitting lines and break the nuts free easier. You might not need the torch, but those little butane torches work well. I just did mine and I wasn't able to get the steering box out without breaking the fluid lines. The wrenches are special fitting wrenches, they work better than regular wrenches. They are special for fittings, not regular nuts and bolts. You can rent a puller from autozone.

Last edited by MustangGT221; May 26, 2003 at 12:19 PM.

Jul 19, 2003 | 06:44 AM

blue92f150

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92 F150 Steering Box

OK, I finally have the Napa replacement box in my possession and am going to attempt to replace the box this weekend. Couple of final questions:

1. What is the size of the nut holding the pittman arm?

2. Where can I get "fitting wrenches" for the Power Steering lines? Sears? How are they different than "regular" wrenches?

3. Should I install an inline Power Steering filter? I have seen other people mention this. Why do I need it?

Thanks again. Jim B.

Jul 19, 2003 | 08:10 AM

Bubba Shrimp

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From: Live Oak, FL

92 F150 Steering Box

Quote:

Originally posted by blue92f150
OK, I finally have the Napa replacement box in my possession and am going to attempt to replace the box this weekend. Couple of final questions:

2. Where can I get "fitting wrenches" for the Power Steering lines? Sears? How are they different than "regular" wrenches?

Thanks again. Jim B.

2. The wrenches I used are called flare nut crows foot wrenches. The "crows foot" comes from the fact that these wrenches are little stubby things made with just the "wrench" part with no handle. There is an opening that you can put a socket extension into and then you use your ratchet to turn it. The "flare" wrench looks like a box-end wrench that someone cut a piece out of. Sometimes they are thicker than a regular wrench. You get the advantage of a box-end wrench and with the slot cut out you are able to slide the wrench over the pipe through the slot. You can find them at most auto parts stores. I believe I got mine at Auto Zone for about $15.00. I didn't have to use the torch, but I have heard sometimes it's a bear to get the nuts loose and then you have to use the torch.

I took the tire off the truck to get access to the steering box. If you can get someone to help it will be a lot easier, especially when you try to put that heavy moose back in there and get the shaft lined up.

This link will show you what a crows foot flare wrenh looks like

http://www.handsontools.com/store/li...ategory_id=338

Last edited by Bubba Shrimp; Jul 19, 2003 at 08:17 AM.