I changes some ball joints last year on my 86 F250 with a 351W. Must have stressed the seal in the power steering box because it has leaked ever sense. Leaks around the splines. The leak use to be a drip here and there. Now it is an occassional gusher. Never swapped seals on a power steering box before. Can it be done for this model and year truck? Can't find any literature in the hayes manual to replace this seal? Can I do this job with just a pitman arm puller and a pick? Or is it more complicated?

 

Yes the dealer used to sell a rebuild kit, also the parts stores sell a rebuild kit. Also going to need a C clip remover for the bottom seal near the pitman arm. When removing the worm gear, check the portion where the rubber seal and bearing make contact, for grooves or excessive wear.

 

Can it be done with the power steering box in the truck? The splined shaft appears to be the one with a leaky seal. Not looking forward to pulling the box out of the truck. Your comment on worm gear/seal/bearing wear makes me think the box has to come out. I'd like to just pull the pitman arm and replace the shaft seal and be done with it if possible.

 

I would pull the steering gear box out and inpect and overhaul the whole unit. Or you can buy a rebuilt one to replace that one.