do i need fluid in my steering box to turn??

[01maroonz71]

question i ask is because i swapped a tapped (for hydro assist) 2wd box and crossover onto my truck, and with the front all hooked up and on jackstands, i tried to turn from side to side to find dead center before i hooked up my steering shaft...and it turned the tires only like 6inches and made a HORRIBLE grinding noise. do i need fluid in there???

I prolbably could have turned it more, but didn't want to force it. keep in mind this box has no fluid in it since i just got it in the mail. thanks!

 

[Blue85]

It is a full mechanical linkage, fluid or no, but the fluid does lube the ball bearings and the seals.

 

[81jimmyslt]

The box will work mechanically without fluid, enough to get you off a trail.

Put fluid in it and bleed the system, you should be fine.

 

[gmc4cw]

with the tires in the air (jackstands) and the truck NOT running you will be fine. if you have the truck running and the tires on the ground you are risking burning up your pump.

besides, your steering shaft only hooks up one way. the end on the box should have a flat spot in it.