Changing The Steering Box

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Jan 26, 2009 | 04:51 PM

acw592

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Changing The Steering Box

This is my first diesel, 2000 F250 7.3 Powerstroke crew cab. I love the truck. Going to install a 5" lift very soon with mickey thompson classic 2's and 35" tires. I need to adress a couple of steering issues first. My steering box is very loose and the tie rod end that atatches to the pitman arm also needs changed. Was wondering what the best plan of attack was for changing the box? I see the 4 bolts on the frame and it looks like if I knock the rod end off the pitman arm, then I'll just have to remove the steering shaft from the box. Not sure of the correct term, but it looks like if I removed the air duct that goes from the turbo over the top of the steering box, then hopefully I can get the steering shaft removed from the box. If anyone that has done this could tell me whether Im going about this the right way or not, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks

Jan 26, 2009 | 06:55 PM

Fordfanatic4life

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From: Richmond BC

first off are u certain the actual steering box is worn out ???

alot more likely the rest of your steering system has worn parts then the box itself..

check to make sure u dont have play in the actual pitman arm itself.. althou i suppose if it were worn then its likely the splines on teh steering box would be aswell..

if i were u i would make certain the box was bad before commiting to removing it...

Jan 26, 2009 | 09:12 PM

ReAX

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From: Central Florida

I would agree. It takes quite a bit of work to wreck the steering box and the other items should be addressed before diagnosing the gear box. To diagnose the gear box even with new components, I would watch both the input and the pitman arm for movement. Ideally, if the input moves, the pitman arm should. There will be a difference in ratio, but a slight movement of the input should result in a slight movement in the farthest end of the pitman arm.

You should also have an adjustment on top of the gear box. Once you have linkage replaced, you can try to tighten the box up a little. When all else fails, then it's time to pull the frame bolts, pitman arm (they don't usually come with new ones), the rag joint and the hose connections. I usually do the hoses first because they are a pain on old trucks. Once I have them loose and don't have to replace any, then the rag joint and pitman arm. Finally and very carefully unbolt the box from the frame.

They are very heavy, you are usually laying in it's path of falling. If not your head, then your chest.

Jan 26, 2009 | 10:33 PM

acw592

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Thanks for the reply's. It is for sure the box. Even though I plan to start removing it tomorrow I tightened the ajustment screw on the top some this afternoon, which did tighten it up, but I need to just replace it and get it over with. I hate loose steering. I did check all the front end components, ball joints tie rod ends ect. Looks like I will get by with the steering box and the tie rod end that connects to the pitman arm.

Dec 3, 2009 | 02:33 PM

lanidan

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From: Indy

this is the same problem that I am having my 2000 f250 7.3l. I hear a knock in the front left and there is a fair amount of play in the steering. I friend of mine is the service manager at a local dealership and said the steering gear nneds to be replaced. I have been learning as I go on this truck and have not had to deal with this particular part before.

Is this something that can be done in my garage or is it something better left to the pros? My friend wants between $600-$700 to replace it. So I'd rather do it myself if I can. Is there any place I can look for some help? I didn't see anything else when I searched the threads.

Thanks for any and all help