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Replace steering box

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Old Feb 16, 2016 | 12:41 PM
  #1  
beartracks's Avatar
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Replace steering box

Dang, I hate doing this job again but it's time. Any suggestions on getting it out without breaking my back? It came out the top last time. Maybe I'll take off the hood and get some help.

Looking to use a Red Head ( I think is the company) replacement possibly with a tighter steering ratio.

Any thoughts on just replacing the lower seal and bearing in place.

Thanx
 
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Old Feb 16, 2016 | 01:05 PM
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I would use a cherry picker? Or get a buddy, a piece of pipe, tie a piece of rope to the box and with the pipe on each of your shoulders, roll the pipe lift the box then walk it out, like carrying a deer.

Or as far as both seals, so I have read....It’s done before with the box on the bench, but I think it can be done on vehicle? Out put seal..remove the pitman arm (gear puller if better than a pickle fork) from the steering box output shaft (sector shaft), then there's a snap ring that needs to be removed.

Once that's out of the way there is a washer, then a seal, then another washer and another seal. Remove the first washer exposing the first seal. Take a sharp center punch and pierce the seal, screw in a sheet metal screw and pry the seal out. You can do two screws 180 degrees apart too.

Once the first seal is out, remove the second washer and repeat the process. You can also try just removing the snap ring, after the pitman arm is off) turn the wheel to the left and start the engine, it will usually blow the whole thing out, both seals and spacers but you better have a huge drain tray under it, then reassemble.

To replace the seals, apply a thin coating of grease to the inner lip of the seal and a thin coat of sealer to the outside diameter of the seal (I like No. 2 Permatex non-hardening). Slide the seal over the shaft and take a deep socket that’s just slightly smaller than the OD of the seal and drive the seal in until it seats. Replace the washer then the next seal, washer, then the snap ring.

Reinstall the pitman arm, hook up the steering linkage and that's it. If you don't have a socket that's deep enough you can use a piece of pipe or tubing too. The killer on these is getting everything centered. With the exception of the sector shaft Ford basically only sold the internals as an assembly.

The input shaft (F3AZ-3E502-A) & sector shaft (D7AZ-3E501-A) seal kits are available from Ford and auto parts stores.
Seal kit, steering gear sector shaft
Parts list #64, With gear ID SPA-AB, AJ, AN, BN, BS, BX, CC, CN
Basically this covers all 73-79 2WD F100-350 w/power steering
D7AZ-3E501-A .. Sector Shaft Seal Kit
Last dealer cost $29.41 List $43.71
So try the dealership OR ……
Parts International, Farmers Branch, TX (972) 241-8730
Green Sales, Cincinnati, OH (800) 543-4959
Manderbach Ford, Temple, PA (610) 929-3683
Freese Motor Inc., Monticello, IA (319) 465-3541
Herb Chambers Ford, Westboro, MA(508) 366-8311

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...+steering+seal

And then onto the steering box input seal…piece of cake 30 minutes 78 F250. Try dealership OR……Autozone part # 8520 $8.99 in stock. Ford part # F3AZ-3E502-A Input Shaft Seal Kit…
undo bolt at rag joint, remove plastic cover on steering column (in cab) loosen steering column bolts (2 bolts to dash) pull up on column and disconnect rag joint from steering box. Drill small hole in dust seal on steering box & screw a screw in and remove seal remove snap ring, drill hole in seal remove with screw. Replace seal, snap ring, dust seal and reconnect steering column.
 
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Old Feb 16, 2016 | 01:11 PM
  #3  
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A cherry picker for a steering box? I am going to need to see you boys' man-cards. :-)

Remove the PB booster and pull it out the top.
 
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Old Feb 16, 2016 | 01:18 PM
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Not the way I do things, just an answer for a guy asking. My man card is 100%, I remove OEM 351M and 460 intakes with one hand. lol

Smarter not harder, your back will appreciate it later on in life.
 
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Old Feb 16, 2016 | 02:41 PM
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work like a gentleman. take of the fender and the tire you can work nice nice !
 
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Old Feb 16, 2016 | 03:03 PM
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On my 2wd I put the front tires up on ramps and took it out the bottom. My engine and trans were out though, so I had plenty of room
 
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Old Jun 20, 2020 | 05:56 PM
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Sorry wrong thread again.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2020 | 05:51 AM
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Sorry wrong thread by accident.
 
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Old Nov 6, 2020 | 09:40 AM
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On my 1976 removed from bottom after putting on jack stands and removing left wheel.{safety first} A little hard to complete alone but can be done. Blue Top is working great.. Only problem UPS wants to charge $97.00 to return ship to Blue Top. Looking into other shippers.
Good Luck
RJ
 
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