1976 Steering gear Blew up

[knucksk5]

As I was pulling into parking spot, the end of the steering gear blew apart. Why would it do that? Secondly, now I need another but cant seem to find one. Mine has part number 7802644 on it but when I look at the ones for sale, they have the pitman arm tightened on with a lock washer and nut. Mine has a bigger splined shaft and pitman arm is secured with a bolt going through the pitman arm. Any help with where I can find one?

 

[Wes Harden]

More Information for CARDONE 277502

www.rockauto.com

the end the rag joints attaches?

 

[knucksk5]

More Information for CARDONE 277502

www.rockauto.com

the end the rag joints attaches?

no. opposite end

 

[Wes Harden]

Wow haven't seen that.

 

[Wes Harden]

Or do you mean the seal by pitman

 

[ktmoutfront]

You need a 4wd box like the one shown. You were looking at 2wd boxes.

 

[kennyw]

You need a 4wd box like the one shown. You were looking at 2wd boxes.

And 2wd vs 4x4 boxes use the same housing part number just different sector shafts. The best steering boxes out there are supposed to be the redhead brand but I haven't used them personally.

 

[Desert_K5]

I have the one off my 77 if that will work? I'll check tomorrow and see if it's still in the shop yard. I'm on the East side of town.

 

[Blue85]

Perhaps the snap ring rusted and fatigued enough to let the end cap blow off? Did you find the parts? If it's just a snap ring failure it could probably be repaired fairly easily and wouldn't even have to come off the truck.

If you have access to a good 2WD box you can swap your 4WD pitman shaft into it. Some have trouble getting boxes adjusted right after this swap, but it's much simpler than adjusting the input. Many problems are reported with reman gears, so don't discount the value of a good used factory gear, if it was otherwise in good condition.