I know this isn't "Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9l/300" forum material, but I just trust you guys in here more than I do the other forums. That being said, I need help.

The Truck: 1991 F-150 2wd
The Issue: I have full on power steering turning LEFT, but NO power steering turning RIGHT. This has caused my truck to "fail" inspection, even though it's still driveable, you just have to use your muscles to turn right when in a parking lot or making a slow right turn. Plus, there's very VERY noticeable slack in the steering wheel that's been there for as long as I can remember. Which is mostly my fault, because I used to turn and burn this truck like a bat out of hell in my younger days.

I've been told that I need to replace the gear box by a couple of different shops that have looked at it. Only problem is I don't have the $400.00 + to have them do it. I'd rather do it myself, which is why I'm posting.

What is involved in changing this gear box, tool - and process wise?
Can I even DO this in my driveway? Or is this one of those "you're better off taking it to the shop instead of Fing with it" situations?

I myself am fairly mechanically minded, I've done everything else on this truck from radiator/fan clutch to fuel pump work, but nothing as seemingly involved as a gear box.

Can you guys help a fellow FTE out?

 

Sounds like an internal gearbox issue.
Yes, you can very likely change the gearbox yourself. I doubt you could repair it yourself though. It's a specialized piece, and needs special tools to do part of the job. One of those special "tools" is an experienced eye to inspect certain parts, to determine if they are usable or not. You may be able to take it in to a shop, and have it rebuilt. Cost is unknown, and could be nearly as much as the rebuilt unit.
$400 is a big chunk of money. A salvage yard item should be much cheaper, but since it's a used part, it could start having problems in a short time.
As you said, partly your fault, from the treatment the truck has recieved. Pay it back by not going the cheapest route. Get a quality part, not one from a "fly by night" scrapyard or rebuilder.

 

That was my plan-to replace the whole thing with a quality rebuilt unit from the local reliable parts store. They run about $180-ish with exchange, so that's half of what the shop would charge.

I'm just more concerned with whether or not I can do it by myself with the tools I have. I'm not one to just jump into something like this when I'm not sure what has to be done...I'm doing my homework before I screw something up...

 

Red-Head Steering Gears, Seattle WA - Red-Head Steering Gears Home

Check them out if you want a top of the line gearbox. I think they're still less than the $400 you were quoted to have yours rebuilt.

 

Swapping out the box isn't too hard of a job. There's a couple special tools required, but most parts stores keep them in their rental/loaner tools. Both are to deal with the pitman arm. 1 is for getting it loose from the rest of the linkage, the other is for getting it off the box. Typically, only 1 or the other is needed depending on if the replacement box has the arm already on it.

 

deal with the pitman arm

It kinda functions as if it were a figure <8>. Eyes @ both ends. I would suggest the "full cup" 'pitman puller'. It has more meat (goes further around the eyed end of the pitman than other styles). Place it on, as would obviously be indicated when viewing the linkage, and turn the nut on the threaded rod pressing the stearing shaft inside the pitman 'eye'. There is a GREAT deal of force needed to disengage these two parts. You woil know you're 'there' when you hear a 'bang' of release.

the other is for getting it off the box
RW- can't you use it for both? I think I did... OH, BTW some ship them out to rebuilders. There's a great one in TX -fair price, excellent job!

 

Depends on the tool, and the design of the pitman arm. Sometimes you can, sometimes you can't. I was just listing a general situation.

 

a general situation

Hummm, now I can't remember. Oh yeah, I undid a nut from the tie rod. Took the box offa the frame and jumped up n down on the wrench on the puller. "Something's gunna brake" I said to the guy I borwred it from. "Yeah, something's gunna break", he said. "Either the puller, the box/pitman, or their stuck togetherness." BANG! the pitman came off! Woohoo!!!