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How to keep steering box on????

1967k10

1967k10

1/2 ton status
Joined
Nov 21, 2005
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Location
Nebraska looking for D60's
This is getting very old so maybe someone has an answer.We've got an 86' K30 dually for a Ranch truck that it's impossible to keep the steering box on :mad:. The bolts keep coming loose,even with lots of loc-tite. I've tryed using longer bolts and putting nuts on them but that just breaks the bolts :mad:. The frame finally broke at the box last spring due to all the times it has come loose. {I know it's a weak spot but I've never seen a K30 break there}. I got a repair kit and fixed that but it still keeps coming loose.

Any ideas guys?? Buy a new truck,I know :rolleyes: :D.
 
Have you tried brand new grade 8 bolts yet? The old bolts could have stretched out threads.
 
Muddytazz said:
Have you tried brand new grade 8 bolts yet? The old bolts could have stretched out threads.
Click to expand...
that is always a possibility. I had that issue once or twice before too. I ended up making some studs that threaded into the box then ran into the frame. Used lots of red locktite and used the stock spacers and/or bolt in brace with 2 nuts on each that were locktited real well. On 3 of the studs where there was room, i ran a nut and washer on the outside of the mounting ear, just to keep it there. so far so good.
 
(full tractor salvage hydro)thats what I would do, it would be super easy.
I had a 75 K5 that would alway come loose, but that turned out to be a frame issue.
Does you box sit flat when held against the frame?
 
A guy at work has an '80 GMC 1/2 ton. Same problem. His frame cracked finally where it bolts up, While driving, Yikes!!! He has several trucks, and parked this favorite one until he could think about it. We welded the crap out of it, then put plate over it all and lap welded all that up, then bolted it back up and tacked the bolts to prevent backing out.

Here is what causes the bolts to come loose. Someone stated earlier to use grade 8, if a weak bolt stretches, it then comes loose. Also, if the holes in the frame are larger diameter than the bolts, any wiggle in the mount, no matter how tight the bolts are will cause them to eventually wiggle loose. Frame flex also helps loosen them. I think the chevy design is prone to this kind of symptom due to the pitman arm or box location. It is too stressed especially if the truck is lifted and the arm is at the wrong angle.

The guy at work is going to box the frame around that location also.
 
habitatxskate said:
you could hydro
or
grade 8s, lock nut, double nut, lock tite, and possibly tack weld?
Click to expand...

talk about extreme measures :haha:

I would suggest using longer bolts and locknuts with lock tite. Ive read on here before that longer bolts with nuts on the back allow greater clamping force and keeps it tight to the frame.
 
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