Steering Box Replacement
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Steering Box Replacement
'01 Diesel 4X4, 150,000 miles. I have adjusted all I can and can't get all the slack out so I will be replacing the box soon and can get rebuilt box thru Oreillys for $171 exchange. I see 3 bolts thru frame that mount box to frame and it should drop straight down and out. Joint on steering shaft is covered by plastic housing and curious to how it conects to input of box and possible problems getting it disconnected.
Any experience replacing steerig box on Ex ? Any tips or possible problems ?
I did it on a Jeep several years ago.
Any experience replacing steerig box on Ex ? Any tips or possible problems ?
I did it on a Jeep several years ago.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 331
Likes: 3
From: St. Louis, MO
I've done this many times. Been through several steering gears. I recommend you upgrade to the +'05 model if possible as the improvements were noticeable. Those three bolts through the frame are the easiest part.
The plastic cover will slide out of your way, up the shaft. There is just one bolt to remove underneath. The hardest part will be getting the pitman arm off. You'll need to rent a removal tool and have a hammer handy.
You might not have to pull out the tie rod end from the drag link that goes into the pitman arm, though it may be cumbersome to work with everything connected, especially if your truck has that many miles.
It is really simple, just takes some muscles. You shouldn't have any trouble figuring it out.
The plastic cover will slide out of your way, up the shaft. There is just one bolt to remove underneath. The hardest part will be getting the pitman arm off. You'll need to rent a removal tool and have a hammer handy.
You might not have to pull out the tie rod end from the drag link that goes into the pitman arm, though it may be cumbersome to work with everything connected, especially if your truck has that many miles.
It is really simple, just takes some muscles. You shouldn't have any trouble figuring it out.
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Thanks 7.3 for the info. Always nice to hear from somebody that has done this to get any tricks or possible problems.
What were the '05 improvements and is the box a direct bolt in with no mods ?
What were the '05 improvements and is the box a direct bolt in with no mods ?
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 331
Likes: 3
From: St. Louis, MO
Good questions,
The newer boxes have a slightly tighter gear ratio, which means your truck will turn tighter faster, less effort side to side. I believe it is also stronger and less likely to wear out. You will have to drill out the three holes in the frame for the larger diameter bolts. I'm pretty sure the pitman arm will be the same size, but you might want to check. When i did mine, i used all F-350 suspension parts as well.
The newer boxes have a slightly tighter gear ratio, which means your truck will turn tighter faster, less effort side to side. I believe it is also stronger and less likely to wear out. You will have to drill out the three holes in the frame for the larger diameter bolts. I'm pretty sure the pitman arm will be the same size, but you might want to check. When i did mine, i used all F-350 suspension parts as well.
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Thanks for the info 7.3 but that is more work than I am wanting to do. I am replacing the pittman arm also because it was loose when I bought the Ex 1 yr ago. I had a rattle in steering that I chased until I found it to be the arm. I tightened the large nut up on the shaft and rattle went away but I think some of my slack may be in the splines which is why I am changing the arm also. New pittman arm from Ford was only $28 which is almost worth not having to pull the old arm off.
Do you know a website that has any illustrations or pics for replacing the box ? I like to look at pics, etc... so I know what I am getting into before I get there.
Do you know a website that has any illustrations or pics for replacing the box ? I like to look at pics, etc... so I know what I am getting into before I get there.
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
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Drilling out the holes in the frame would not be easy. There is a cast piece inbetween the frame rails to keep the frame from squeezing together as you tighten up the steering gb bolts. If you have to drill through all that material - the project may never get finished.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 331
Likes: 3
From: St. Louis, MO
The metal was tough, but i used a regular electric hand drill with cheap bits to open the holes. I didn't take the tire off, that would have made it easier to get in there. You also need to be able to go at 'em from inside the frame. That was the hardest part. Easier for me because i had my engine out at the time.
You won't need pictures, it is so simple. You just need the right parts. Pulling the pitman arm will be the hardest part. If you really think you need something, you might pick up one of those cheap manuals from an auto parts store. With the right tools, you'll have that box out in 10 minutes.
You won't need pictures, it is so simple. You just need the right parts. Pulling the pitman arm will be the hardest part. If you really think you need something, you might pick up one of those cheap manuals from an auto parts store. With the right tools, you'll have that box out in 10 minutes.
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