Hi there,

Does anybody know the thread size of the 3 mounting bolts of the steering box?

Few time ago, I heard a big "klang" while maneuvring, obviously something broke...
Didn't made direct relation but then I had some play in the steering and found out that a bolt was missing on the steering box and later found broken piece on the floor...

All 3 bolts were mounter with nuts on the back of the box through the holes... without even washer...
The box not being flat in the but area, I tought that it should normally be threaded and the bolts scerwed in...

I luckilly found some bolts of the right dimension (I'm in France...) but the I understood why the guys before put those tiny bolts...
The threads in the holes were shaved...

So now I have a truck with PS but that I'm scared to drive because some stupid sunday mechanics messed up the steering box...

Second problem being that I'm away from the truck now and cannot check anymore th ethread size...

I would like to put some helicoils and the right bolts to have a safe setup...

Being in France I cannot easilly find a new steering box an I know also that there is 2 different models...

So with this info I'll be able to order an helicoil kit and the bolts at the right dimmensions...

Thanks for your hel and sorry for the long stroy

 

Welcome to FTE!
7/16" X 14. But I wouldn't use helicoils. I would use the next step up in local hardened metric bolts. Drill and tap the gear's housing to accept them. And back it up with some nuts just in case. Make sure they will fit through the frame 1st.

 

Thanks a lot!
Re-tapping to next metric size was my 1st thought but then I've been thinking that it would be better to come back to original condition.
I'll keep you updated when I'll decide of a solution...

 

Hi! For those interested, here is how I solved my little problem:
Ordered online some Helicoil type thread repair kit while abroad and did the magic once back home.
You wouldn't believe how hard was to find the right bolts here in France...
BTW now it's fixed and solid.
Those self called mechanics that worked on that car are just criminals when you realise the size of the bolt they put (5/16) compared to the normal ones (barely half the section).
Here are some pictures:

 

Glad it worked out
Off the subject, I was talking to buddy of mine and how these trucks ended up across the pond. What is the history of your truck, and how did it end up there?