Steering components opinions
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Southern NH
Steering components opinions
Hello guys. I 'm hoping you all can help me out here.
I have a 95 EB 5.8 with a 6" skyjacker lift and running 35" tires.
I'm very undecided as to how to go with the replacement of the pump and gear box. There is no major issues other than a small leak at the pump and a bit of big-tire wander. This is my DD, mostly highway, and I do minimal off roading with it. I'm going to take her in to get the brakes done, so I figured that while it's in there, might as well get the steering looked at. Everything in the front end is about 3 years old (shocks, coils, tie rods, blah blah).
I would like your opinions on what set up to use. I don't want to go over board, but I don't want to be too cheap either. I'm thinking about $600-$800. I've read about the Saginaw pump, but would that be overkill for my usage. Please let me know what you guys think. I usually buy the parts and have my mechanic do the install. Thanks!
I have a 95 EB 5.8 with a 6" skyjacker lift and running 35" tires.
I'm very undecided as to how to go with the replacement of the pump and gear box. There is no major issues other than a small leak at the pump and a bit of big-tire wander. This is my DD, mostly highway, and I do minimal off roading with it. I'm going to take her in to get the brakes done, so I figured that while it's in there, might as well get the steering looked at. Everything in the front end is about 3 years old (shocks, coils, tie rods, blah blah).
I would like your opinions on what set up to use. I don't want to go over board, but I don't want to be too cheap either. I'm thinking about $600-$800. I've read about the Saginaw pump, but would that be overkill for my usage. Please let me know what you guys think. I usually buy the parts and have my mechanic do the install. Thanks!
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 703
Likes: 1
From: Rochester
I am in the same situation. I can only give you my opinion as to what I am going with. Definatly went for the Saginaw swap. Sooner or later the stock PS pump will go out and start whinning. Luckily my stocker has lasted 20 years...lifespan is worse with larger tires. If I recall correctly a new Saginaw can be had for $60, the high pressure hose around $17. Labor...not sure $40 per hour 1-1.5 hours to replace.
Not sure about the gear box...hard to tell the condition by what you wrote...never really about those things going bad. Does your steering seem loose? Is there play? Check the play in your rag joint...located before your sterring box.
I am also going with new spicer ball joints and moog steering components. I think everything came in under $300. I do not know if you need to go to that extreme. Sounds like your shocks and coils should be fine if they were repalced 3years ago. Tie rod ends really depend on the brand/quality you have in there...if they are cheap quality, probably need replacing.
Not sure about the gear box...hard to tell the condition by what you wrote...never really about those things going bad. Does your steering seem loose? Is there play? Check the play in your rag joint...located before your sterring box.
I am also going with new spicer ball joints and moog steering components. I think everything came in under $300. I do not know if you need to go to that extreme. Sounds like your shocks and coils should be fine if they were repalced 3years ago. Tie rod ends really depend on the brand/quality you have in there...if they are cheap quality, probably need replacing.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,978
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From: Central PA
The posts I read were for the 460 but I think they are same. Napa had access to them Bolt right in just need a Hi presure hose off e-van with Saginaw. I got my Saginaw setup brackets,pump ,hi pressure hose and all off a 95 e-van bolt on and go . 302 or 351 will work .I got 351 set on a 302 . As for the box there have been posts of after market but they are $$ for the combo. If you find something please post us. Good luck
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Southern NH
Man I'm getting a headache with the online shopping for the parts.
For the saginaw pump swap, do I need to also get a cooler for the fluids? Doing a search on the internet, it is mentioned and not metioned at all.
I'm going to call my mechanic on Monday and run this by him. I'm thinking that maybe I'll just have him do the whole thing(buying the parts and install) if the price is right.
Let you guys know.
For the saginaw pump swap, do I need to also get a cooler for the fluids? Doing a search on the internet, it is mentioned and not metioned at all.
I'm going to call my mechanic on Monday and run this by him. I'm thinking that maybe I'll just have him do the whole thing(buying the parts and install) if the price is right.
Let you guys know.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,978
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From: Central PA
I don't have a cooler on mine. Just used stock set up . Pullys and all worked easy swap. Coarse I say that an you might have problems with yours. But the Saginaw love those big tires and are the same price or less Than Ford unit.from my pricing.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,147
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From: Coweta,GA, GO DAWGS!!!!!!
I had loose steering on my '87 a few years back. Replaced alot of components on the front end and couldn't get it to go away. Finally, I checked the steering gear preload in the gear box and it was very loose. Tightened and adjusted the preload and it's been tight and quick responding ever since. I'll have to do it again soon as the other day it feelt alittle more loose than normal. But, I can adjust the preload in about an hour's time instead of spending the money for the new gear box and then having the time in installing it.
I'd have your mech check the entire front end and mention the gear box preload to him. He should know what your talking about and if the rest of the components check out ok, he can adjust it for you. That'll get you back to a like new steer system for alittle while. Can't say how long till it will wear through the adj. with the tires your running,though. Good luck.
I'd have your mech check the entire front end and mention the gear box preload to him. He should know what your talking about and if the rest of the components check out ok, he can adjust it for you. That'll get you back to a like new steer system for alittle while. Can't say how long till it will wear through the adj. with the tires your running,though. Good luck.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 703
Likes: 1
From: Rochester
Originally Posted by NH-Hottie
Man I'm getting a headache with the online shopping for the parts.
For the saginaw pump swap, do I need to also get a cooler for the fluids? Doing a search on the internet, it is mentioned and not metioned at all.
I'm going to call my mechanic on Monday and run this by him. I'm thinking that maybe I'll just have him do the whole thing(buying the parts and install) if the price is right.
Let you guys know.
For the saginaw pump swap, do I need to also get a cooler for the fluids? Doing a search on the internet, it is mentioned and not metioned at all.
I'm going to call my mechanic on Monday and run this by him. I'm thinking that maybe I'll just have him do the whole thing(buying the parts and install) if the price is right.
Let you guys know.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,233
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From: shawnee KS
Believe it or not- the gear box is not at all hard to replace yourself. Last one I bought from O'reilly's (I think) was approx. 150 bucks. But mine was puking fluid bad. I agree with everything already stated about checking out the preload and adjusting in small increments. I feel for you-I've got 38's on my F250. I have gotten quite familiar with my steering components as a result.
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