Happy Thanksgiving. I've searched several threads and have not seen and answer to a question I have on gearbox replacment. I have a 98 e150 4.2l v6 automatic. I will be replacing all hoses,pump and the gearbox this weekend. It"s all straight forward stuff,except I'm not sure how to center the gearbox before installation. After transferring the pitman arm will I be able move it thru it"s travel and find the center possition?? Or is there a better way? Thank you in advance for any and all help.

 

I would count the turns of the steering wheel lock to lock before I installed the pitman
arm and go one half of that number to place the worm gear on the high spot, then install
the pitman arm. I don't believe the drag link is adjustable as to lenght so the splines should line up with the wheels straight ahead. If it is adjustable it will require it be made longer or shorter to make the splines engage.

 

Thanks for ther reply kotzy.I understand the procedure your descibing.Are you saying to install the new gearbox and use to steering wheel to center the gearbox and then remove the gearbox and recenter the steering wheel? Hope that makes sense. When I remove the old gearbox the steering will be locked in the center position and I was looking for a way to center the new gearbox on the bench. The drag link is ajustable at the outer tie rod Thanks again for your info.

 

You can count the turns of the gearbox on the bench and center it the same as if it was
installed. Slide the coupling from the steering shaft onto the gear box and bolt the box
to the frame. Then with the wheels straight ahead try and install the pitman arm.
If the splines are off a lot you'll have to adjust the drag link lenght. If only off
a small amount bolt everything together drive the truck and see if the steering wheel is
centered. If it isn't you can correct that by shorting/lenghting the drag link.

 

Thanks kotzy.I'm headed to the garage to get started.

 

Just like to thank kotzy for the info and update the work. My fears of the new gearbox were unfounded.It was easy to turn the gears on the bench to verify the center position.I changed all tie rod ends,steering pump,gearbox and all hoses. Toke it to my favorite parking lot and strung the toe in and it's working great.Not bad for a van with 441,389 mile on it.Thanks again for all the help.

 

Glad I could be of some help. Enjoy!