Hi Folks,
I know this a relatively common topic however I can't seem to find the right information via site search and google search so I'm hoping to get some first hand information.

I have a red-head steering box in my old 150 that I want to swap into my 250 pickup. The 150's pitman arm popped right off with the standard cast pitman arm puller from the parts store. The 250 however is being a complete and utter [female dog]. In fact everything on the front end of this 250 is one major pain in the a$$.

I've reviewed multiple methods of removal however I'm a little reluctant to try some or just don't have the room under the truck. The 250 is a 4x4 so the diff pumpkin is in the way of many things like hammering the shaft. I don't feel comfortable putting heat on the thing as I plan to re-use the box. I have an mini oxy torch and an air-acetelyne torch I can try. Usually the air-acetylene torch can get stuff pretty hot.

I've soaked the thing in PB blaster both last night and again today as i've been attempting to pull the thing. I'd try using an impact gun on the puller but I don't have the room with it mounted on the truck.

I'm only doing this on the truck only because it seems easier to use the truck frame to hold the steering box in place rather than have it loose on a bench. I don't have a bench vise mounted anywhere that handle the serious torque without ripping up the bench.


Any other input on what I could try or maybe haven't tried is much appreciated!!!

 

Take the box off then you can use the impact on the puller.

 

I would leave the puller on overnight with as much tension on t as possible. Maybe a breakerbar with a pipe extension?

 

Agreed and when the puller is TIGHT, use a BFH and hit the puller where you put the socket

 

thanks folks! I did try hitting the puller where the socket goes but the front diff is in the way. I will just have to pull the box out try it that way with the impact; maybe hit the puller shaft a time or two as well. It also just crossed my mind that I can always drop it at a mechanics shop on my way to work tomorrow and let them pull it. I'd rather not but the option is there!

 

tighten up the puller and leave it alone.check back in 10 min or so and snug it up a bit.about 2-3 times of re-tightening puller and leaving it under tension mine came off.

 

BTW the method mentioned above involved removing the box first. I thought that was clear my the agreed quote of bashby

 

Thanks all!
I ended up having to pull the box (as noted) and even after using the impact gun with the puller I still had no luck. Finally box the box on the ground, stepped on it (for weight) and cranked down on the puller bolt using a breaker bar and like for extra leverage and it finally broke free. What an ordeal! Just glad it's done. My 250 has a nice new steery box!!!

 

Sometimes you can get stuck things off by applying appropriate pressure, letting it sit for a bit, then tapping it with a hammer. You don't have to hit it all that hard, sometimes just light taps will be enough to break it free. The vibrations from striking it will often be enough to get the parts apart, you just have to find the magic frequency..