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Anyone reseal/rebuild their power steering box?

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77crewcab

1/2 ton status
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Feb 9, 2004
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Location
Lubbock, Texas
My steering box is leaking like crazy and I was wondering how hard it is to rebuild/reseal it as opposed to buying a reman. I works fine just leaks. I have done the steering boxes on trucks and it just seems like a smaller version. Just curious how difficult it actually is?
 
I've rebuilt and drilled and tapped several box's already. Once you take your first box apart and see what's inside and read up on how to put it all back together you'll never buy another rebuilt steering box again (at least i know i won't).
 
i changed the seals on my box they were the lower pitman arm seals worked like a champ and was easy to do. where is your box leaking from?
 
It's pretty easy, and well worth a rebuild kit versus a storebought box. The only tricky part initially was getting the balls back in. I ended up using a piece of 1/2" dowel and it made it very easy.
 
It is leaking every where, I will be getting a reman pump and then a rebuild kit for the box this weekend. As it is I leave a puddle if I park more than 5 minutes.
 
Can anyone tell me the difference between a 4WD and 2WD steering box? Like can I put a 2WD on in place of the 4WD?
 
I don't know the fundamental difference, but they are not the same, because:

1) The auto parts stores have different numbers for the different trucks.

2) The guys who have converted to crossover steering use 2WD boxes.

My 2WD Chevy is in California and I'm not, or I'd take a look and tell you...:crazy:
 
I believe the only difference is the sector shaft, but don't quote me on that. I know there is atleast one thread concerning the rebuilding of these boxes. Did ya try a search here?
 
77crewcab said:
Can anyone tell me the difference between a 4WD and 2WD steering box? Like can I put a 2WD on in place of the 4WD?
Click to expand...

Yes a 2WD box will work on a 4WD application. The pitman arm has to be clocked for your steering setup.

To tell the difference: Look at the sector shaft. The 4WD box (at least mine) does not have splines all the way around the shaft. The pitman arm will have a bolt across the top to clamp the pitman arm on. The 2wd drive box has a nut from the bottom.

I have a 4WD box, but swapped the sector shaft from a 2WD box for crossover. The 2WD box (sector shaft) is necessary so you can clock the pitman arm.

2WD:
P1020967 (Large).JPG
P1020968 (Large).JPG

4WD:
P1020969 (Large).JPG
P1020971 (Large).JPG

P1020968 (Large).JPG

P1020967 (Large).JPG

P1020969 (Large).JPG

P1020971 (Large).JPG
 
Couple more things. Make sure if you swap boxes you get one with the same fittings. There are two different types of hose fittings. I don't have the specifics. I didn't worry about it because of what I was doing.

Also - mine was leaking when using ATF as the fluid of choice. I put power steering fluid in and the leak stopped. I read on another thread that leaks are common when using ATF.
 
Mine actually started when I put the power steering fluid in and now it is leaking a quart a day. Going to try and do the job this weekend. Just got a complete rebuild kit. Do I have to remove the box from the frame to do it or can it be done in place? Also I assume I need to remove the pitman arm correct?
 
You will definitely have to remove the box from the vehicle.

You'll also want lots of solvent (or an actual parts washing setup) to get everything clean. That's probably the biggest part of the job.

I started with soaking in some heavy-duty cleaner in a bucket, rinsed with a hose, and then moved on to acetone-based brake cleaner.

Then get yourself a nice clean bench to work on. It just makes it waaay nicer.

Yes, the pitman arm must come off.
 
To replace just the pitman arm seal and the seal behind the rag joint I can leave it on the truck though correct. Just need a pitman arm puller. I haven't had any problems with it other than pouring fluid and if the seals will stop that then I don't want to have to go further. It steers just fine. Will I need to put the front axle up on jack stands and do the turn lock to lock bleeding procedure afterwards?
 
AZ79K5Project said:
Yes a 2WD box will work on a 4WD application. The pitman arm has to be clocked for your steering setup.

To tell the difference: Look at the sector shaft. The 4WD box (at least mine) does not have splines all the way around the shaft. The pitman arm will have a bolt across the top to clamp the pitman arm on. The 2wd drive box has a nut from the bottom.

I have a 4WD box, but swapped the sector shaft from a 2WD box for crossover. The 2WD box (sector shaft) is necessary so you can clock the pitman arm
Click to expand...

So could I use the 2WD box and the sector shaft from the 4WD? I have the rebuild kit for the 4WD box, will it work on the 2WD box? At the very least to swap the sector shaft and the seals on the pitman arm and behind the ragjoint? I am just a little leary of the the possible condition of the 4wd box and know the 2wd box is good. Also a little worried about the dowtime. How long does it take to remove, rebuild, and reinstall the box? I was thinking I might be able to replace the two main seals on the 2WD box pull the 4wd box swap sector shafts and slap it back in as the quickest method.
 
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