Steering Boxes
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 470
Likes: 104
Steering Boxes
Does anyone have any real experience with tearing down and rebuilding the power steering boxes from bullnose trucks?
are there any differences that could complicate a Steering Box swap from an 86 to an 80?
Not looking for guesses only hands on knowledge
are there any differences that could complicate a Steering Box swap from an 86 to an 80?
Not looking for guesses only hands on knowledge
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,935
Likes: 4,123
From: Angier, NC
Why even try to rebuild it?
Well I guess if it is leaking and you are doing a re-seal then maybe but if for play that will not fix it.
Also don't even think of a re-manf. from a parts store as all they do is new seals and send it down the road and could have play or even more than your old one.
I went with a Blue Top as the price was a little less than the Red Head boxes.
They machine where the shafts ride in the housing, this is where the ware is, and install bearings. I am told the factory boxes don't even have bushings, steel on casted housing!
From time ordered to drop at my door was quick and return was easy.
Hardest part was to do a good flushing that BT said had to be done.
Sorry cant help more
Dave ----
Well I guess if it is leaking and you are doing a re-seal then maybe but if for play that will not fix it.
Also don't even think of a re-manf. from a parts store as all they do is new seals and send it down the road and could have play or even more than your old one.
I went with a Blue Top as the price was a little less than the Red Head boxes.
They machine where the shafts ride in the housing, this is where the ware is, and install bearings. I am told the factory boxes don't even have bushings, steel on casted housing!
From time ordered to drop at my door was quick and return was easy.
Hardest part was to do a good flushing that BT said had to be done.
Sorry cant help more
Dave ----
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,668
Likes: 1,159
From: Tolland, CT
Lot's of info here, Gary's Garagemahal (the Bullnose bible) - Bullnose Forum
You should be able to see all the parts there. check out the Documentation
You should be able to see all the parts there. check out the Documentation
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 129
From: Atlantic Canada
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
That's called a re-seal. That doesn't fix the inherent flaws of the box. The shaft needs a bushing and that requires machining the case. Go with bluetop or redhead.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,831
Likes: 121
From: St Albert, Alberta
So you can reseal it at home and add new ***** but unless you have the specialized grinding equipment you can not properly rebuild it.
Be aware most of the NAPA Cardone and similar rebuilt units just reseal and install new recirc ***** and that is it. This takes some of the slop out of an old box but it will not bring back to factory specs in most instances especially if the housing is worn at the sector shaft.
To get a properly rebuilt box you will have to opt for one of the specialized rebuilders remanufacturers. The most notable are Red Top and Blue Top. Given the choice, I'd opt for Blue Top, Red Top has seen some rather extensive growth recently have on occasion been having a few QA/QC issues with their product. .
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,668
Likes: 1,159
From: Tolland, CT
Oh, I see why you're asking about rebuilding, https://bluetopsteeringgears-com.3dc...gers_p_24.html
I found a seal kit at Advance Auto Parts for $54.00
I found a seal kit at Advance Auto Parts for $54.00
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Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 470
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My power steering system doesn't leak but has slop. I am a machine tool repairman/ machinist with my own machine shop.
I rebuild ball screw nuts as part of my services.
I have a spare steering box to rebuild then swap with my original.
I rebuild ball screw nuts as part of my services.
I have a spare steering box to rebuild then swap with my original.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,831
Likes: 121
From: St Albert, Alberta
If you rebuild ball screws then you should have no issues remanufacturing the box. Forget the bushing in the housing and opt for a narrow needle, needle bearing to support the sector shaft, Blue Top and Red Head do this with their rebuilt units.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,992
Likes: 2,741
From: Virginia
I know you said you already have a box, but if it's going to take a lot of work (really wore out) the best kept secret is to go out and get a box off a Bronco II or a little Ranger pickup. They used the exact same box as the big trucks and led a much easier life. A reseal on one of those boxes may actually work.
FTE Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,288
Likes: 200
From: springfield Missouri area
The only issue I had was trying to figure out a way to SIZE the Teflon seal rings after I installed them on the spool valve. Looked for a factory tool but could not find one easily. So I took a plastic water bottle with smooth sides, Cut it to just wrap around the spool with just a little overlap. Then used a worm drive hose clamp to snug it up. The plastic would keep the hose clamp from deforming or grooving the Teflon ring. Worked great. You could use a Silicone hose clamp as they have no grooves, but I used what I had with the plastic bottle.
Not sure what you shaft size is, one of the medium duty boxes I rebuilt one time already used the needle bearing on the shaft. It just happened to be the same size as the spindle bearing on my Dana 60. So you might check the spindle bearing sizes against your pitman shaft. But you being a machinist you can find the ones you need.
Not sure what you shaft size is, one of the medium duty boxes I rebuilt one time already used the needle bearing on the shaft. It just happened to be the same size as the spindle bearing on my Dana 60. So you might check the spindle bearing sizes against your pitman shaft. But you being a machinist you can find the ones you need.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,668
Likes: 1,159
From: Tolland, CT
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