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Im trying to remove the steering shaft. Took the one bolt out where it connects the splines on the box. moved it over some to pull it down and out but seems that theres something holding it up top? Or from under the dash? Do you just hit it out with a hammer or is there a set screw someplace? You can push it up and pull it down but it only pulls down so far.
Anyone? thanks
Its funny you already got the hard part, which is removing the U-joint from the splines. That is a B!TCH when its rusted together.
The shaft is a collapsible shaft and is 1 piece.
You need to disconnect the shaft inside the van. There should be a bolt going through the top of the shaft. See the pic below. My picture already has the bolt removed. There is also a boot that goes around the shaft, but you do not have to remove that if you don't want to.
If ever I'm replacing another steering box I'll remove that lower shaft, pull the box out with it still attached and swap pieces on a bench.
I don't know a gallon of PB Blaster would help, can't really get heat on it without destroying close-by parts.
Tough job---hope it goes well.
It was actually easy! But then again as you saw my other thread, i have the shroud, radiator, coolant tank and hoses removed. Otherwise theres just no room to get in there. Obviously this was unrelated to my other repairs but it was something that had to get done. What better timing is there?? Changed the steering box too. Steering box, no adjustments or anything like that needed out the box?
I didnt realize how long that steering shaft was. I was going by the stock pic online and it looked tiny. Thats why i didnt look up and see that bolt in there.. Kinda embarrassing lol.. Do we have different shafts? My bolt is way up top and it looks like yours is lower.
Also I think i feel a little play in that upper universal shaft by hand. Im done with my parts buying for now but i should be able to change that later without removing the lower right?
I'm not sure if they are different between years. Its possible they decided to change the steering box and shafts around when they changed to the newer model engines.
Mine is not super far up but its a good 8 inches or so up the shaft before the bolt.
I don't see any reason why you wouldn't be able to replace the upper u-joint without removing the lower shaft. Once the lower one is disconnected from the steering wheel it can be moved pretty liberally in any direction you want to get it out of the way.
It was actually easy! But then again as you saw my other thread, i have the shroud, radiator, coolant tank and hoses removed. Otherwise theres just no room to get in there. Obviously this was unrelated to my other repairs but it was something that had to get done. What better timing is there?? Changed the steering box too. Steering box, no adjustments or anything like that needed out the box?
That was good timing, very smart to take advantage while the other parts were already out.
A new steering box should be good to go as received. Once installed and filled with fluid that's all you should need to do.
Mine was replaced about 18 months ago, opted for the reman'd Ford unit---was about $258 plus $225 core charge. I could have gone with the A1-Cardone brand but not a big fan of that---didn't want to do this job more than once.
That was good timing, very smart to take advantage while the other parts were already out.
A new steering box should be good to go as received. Once installed and filled with fluid that's all you should need to do.
Mine was replaced about 18 months ago, opted for the reman'd Ford unit---was about $258 plus $225 core charge. I could have gone with the A1-Cardone brand but not a big fan of that---didn't want to do this job more than once.
I went with a duralast (not a huge fan of autozone) because its all that was readily available. $190 and $200 core. They all ask if its over or under 4200lbs. Im not sure what i had in there but opted for over because of the weight that i carry. Smooth sailing again..
I could have gone with the A1-Cardone brand but not a big fan of that---didn't want to do this job more than once.
