Need to replace steering box
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Need to replace steering box
I am not a professional mechanic but I know this isn't good (see pics).
I was surprised to find that only Napa has a replacement in stock, NAPA AUTO PARTS
That OK as a replacement? If not, I'll need to order it and have it shipped.
So I need to replace that, at the least. It seems there's 4 frame bolts, the steering wheel linkage, and the fluid hoses I need to remove. Anything complicated here? I haven't yet looked at the linkage.
It looks like the boot the on the join where the pitman arm connects needs to be replaced. Can those be replaced individually or do I need a whole new arm?
After all this work I'll get an alignment. Anything I miss to do?
I was surprised to find that only Napa has a replacement in stock, NAPA AUTO PARTS
That OK as a replacement? If not, I'll need to order it and have it shipped.
So I need to replace that, at the least. It seems there's 4 frame bolts, the steering wheel linkage, and the fluid hoses I need to remove. Anything complicated here? I haven't yet looked at the linkage.
It looks like the boot the on the join where the pitman arm connects needs to be replaced. Can those be replaced individually or do I need a whole new arm?
After all this work I'll get an alignment. Anything I miss to do?
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 358
Likes: 7
From: Ky
Holy........
I guess you won't need a pitman arm puller.
Do you have any idea what triggered such an event?
The job is generally pretty straightforward.
That stub wiil have to be driven out of the pitman arm and for starters, I would think you won't want ANY questionable pieces going back in. You may want to consider tie rod and pitman arm, with the gearbox.
Rockauto.com has parts that aren't availble at NAPA, you may want to check them out.
Your into the power steering fluid circuit also, so a full flush and return line filter would be a recommendation also.
I guess you won't need a pitman arm puller.
Do you have any idea what triggered such an event?
The job is generally pretty straightforward.
That stub wiil have to be driven out of the pitman arm and for starters, I would think you won't want ANY questionable pieces going back in. You may want to consider tie rod and pitman arm, with the gearbox.
Rockauto.com has parts that aren't availble at NAPA, you may want to check them out.
Your into the power steering fluid circuit also, so a full flush and return line filter would be a recommendation also.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 2
Holy........
I guess you won't need a pitman arm puller.
Do you have any idea what triggered such an event?
The job is generally pretty straightforward.
That stub wiil have to be driven out of the pitman arm and for starters, I would think you won't want ANY questionable pieces going back iYou may want to consider tie rod, pitman arm, and gearbox.
Rockauto.com has parts that aren't availble at NAPA, you may want to check them out.
Your into the power steering fluid circuit also, so a full flush and return line filter would be a recommendation also.
I guess you won't need a pitman arm puller.
Do you have any idea what triggered such an event?
The job is generally pretty straightforward.
That stub wiil have to be driven out of the pitman arm and for starters, I would think you won't want ANY questionable pieces going back iYou may want to consider tie rod, pitman arm, and gearbox.
Rockauto.com has parts that aren't availble at NAPA, you may want to check them out.
Your into the power steering fluid circuit also, so a full flush and return line filter would be a recommendation also.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,533
Likes: 17
From: SW Florida
Seriously? How the **** did you manage to snap that??
Disconnect the hydraulic lines. When you do, they will drip til the reservoir runs dry so just leave your drain pan under there. Slide the plastic dust cover on the steering shaft upwards towards the firewall/cowl, and remove the bolt that attaches the steering shaft to the gearbox, the steering shaft will slide towards the firewall and off the gearbox stub shaft. Then just unbolt the gearbox from the frame and you're ready to put the new one in.
And yes, get that FRAM (F****ng Rebuild Another Motor) filter off your engine if you care about it in the least. A Motorcraft filter is like $3 and change.
Disconnect the hydraulic lines. When you do, they will drip til the reservoir runs dry so just leave your drain pan under there. Slide the plastic dust cover on the steering shaft upwards towards the firewall/cowl, and remove the bolt that attaches the steering shaft to the gearbox, the steering shaft will slide towards the firewall and off the gearbox stub shaft. Then just unbolt the gearbox from the frame and you're ready to put the new one in.
And yes, get that FRAM (F****ng Rebuild Another Motor) filter off your engine if you care about it in the least. A Motorcraft filter is like $3 and change.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Kentucky
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OK, replacement box is in, ready to start running fluids. What tool will I need to use to get the broken spline out of the pitman arm?
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 358
Likes: 7
From: Ky
Myself I would replace it.
Other than that, a 12 or 20 ton shop press.
Second choice press it out on a 6in. vise with appropriate sized sockets as in the time honored u-joint replacement.
You could try a pitman arm puller.
Beating it out is a really bad option reserved for the end of the world.
Other than that, a 12 or 20 ton shop press.
Second choice press it out on a 6in. vise with appropriate sized sockets as in the time honored u-joint replacement.
You could try a pitman arm puller.
Beating it out is a really bad option reserved for the end of the world.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Subscribing for the awesomeness that is a snapped steering shaft.
WOW!!!
I've never seen that on one of these trucks.
X4 or 5 or whatever on that orange can of death.
Motorcraft (cheap at Walmart)
Dana/WIX/NAPA
Hastings/Baldwin.
Mann
If you want to see for yourself, here's a link
Oil Filters Revealed - MiniMopar Resources
WOW!!!
I've never seen that on one of these trucks.
X4 or 5 or whatever on that orange can of death.
Motorcraft (cheap at Walmart)
Dana/WIX/NAPA
Hastings/Baldwin.
Mann
If you want to see for yourself, here's a link
Oil Filters Revealed - MiniMopar Resources
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truck is off to the shop for alignment. I got the broken spline out of the pitman arm and put things back together where the wheels ride straight enough to get on the tow truck.
I wasn't able to replace the pitman arm because the one I found wasn't the right one. I'm guessing I need one for a truck that has a lift. I wasn't aware of that so I'll have to order one.
I wasn't able to replace the pitman arm because the one I found wasn't the right one. I'm guessing I need one for a truck that has a lift. I wasn't aware of that so I'll have to order one.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
How much lift have you got?
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