Steering Box Replacement
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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Steering Box Replacement
Long time lurker - first time poster.
Here is the deal. I've had the truck since February, bought it with 93K miles (BTW I Love it!). A few weeks ago I notice I have like three inches of play in the steering to the left. I take it to a local shop and the Tech says the steering gear is shot. OK I figure it's got 93K miles and 35" tires, that is entirely feasible. I ask how much to replace he says $580 ($460 parts and $120 labor). That seems rather high and he admits that he's marked up the parts price a bit to provide a lifetime warranty on the part. So I say I can't do it today, too much $$$. I head over to NAPA and get a price of $230 on the same part with 1 year warranty.
OK guys thanks for bearing with me. I am not a mechanic but I'm not totally intimidated by the idea of replacing the steering gear box myself. Anybody tried this? Is it worth saving $350 or a real pain in the A$$. I respect your views and would appreciate your input. Thanks!
Here is the deal. I've had the truck since February, bought it with 93K miles (BTW I Love it!). A few weeks ago I notice I have like three inches of play in the steering to the left. I take it to a local shop and the Tech says the steering gear is shot. OK I figure it's got 93K miles and 35" tires, that is entirely feasible. I ask how much to replace he says $580 ($460 parts and $120 labor). That seems rather high and he admits that he's marked up the parts price a bit to provide a lifetime warranty on the part. So I say I can't do it today, too much $$$. I head over to NAPA and get a price of $230 on the same part with 1 year warranty.
OK guys thanks for bearing with me. I am not a mechanic but I'm not totally intimidated by the idea of replacing the steering gear box myself. Anybody tried this? Is it worth saving $350 or a real pain in the A$$. I respect your views and would appreciate your input. Thanks!
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,153
Likes: 1
From: Roseburg OR.
Steering Box Replacement
I haven't done mine so I can't say whether it's very difficult or not but I would shop around for a different mechanic or one that will put it on if you supply the parts. They will probably not warranty it if you supply the parts but it should last a long time so I wouldn't worry too much about that.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
Likes: 48
From: Lyndonville, Vermont
Steering Box Replacement
Just looked in my manual .not to bad to change looks like it can be done in a couple of hours or less. need a tool to remove the drag link and pitman arm..
try auto zone lower price and I think lifetime warr
try auto zone lower price and I think lifetime warr
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena Kalifornia
Steering Box Replacement
It's a bolt in.
Just gotta make sure you have some power steering fluid handy (and wrenches for the PS lines).
Pretty much a "no-brainer"
Mine was replaced yesterday, I didn't do it, but watched.
I used a Lee's PS modified box for the ram-assist.
-T
Just gotta make sure you have some power steering fluid handy (and wrenches for the PS lines).
Pretty much a "no-brainer"
Mine was replaced yesterday, I didn't do it, but watched.
I used a Lee's PS modified box for the ram-assist.
-T
New User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Steering Box Replacement
I replaced mine 2 weeks ago. Took about 3 hours by myself. Not hard just need to have the right tools and straighten out the steering wheel when you are done. I bought the autozone box for 179.00 with a lifetime warranty. It has not been long but the box is great. Drove 1000 miles with it last week and had no problems.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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Steering Box Replacement
Thanks guys. I'm leaning toward doing it myself. Thanks for the info. I think I'll go with the AutoZone and get the lifetime warranty. What specialty tools are required besides the pitman puller? I have a Haynes manual and the steps to follow are a little vague. Does anybody have access to a Tech manual that would be willing to post the instructions on a steering box replacement. Thanks again.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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Steering Box Replacement
Sorry it's a Chilton manual not a Haynes. Apparently there is not a Haynes manual yet (according to AutoZone). Still looking for some better directions on the steering gear replacement. Anybody willing to share?
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