I'm about to lose it (steering box related)

[clandr1]

So I've installed the ORD weld in frame brace as well as the bolt in frame brace. The truck STILL has a squeak coming from the steering box area although all bolts are torqued to spec and in theory the frame should be good to go.

Is it possible the squeak is coming from inside my steering box? It only happens when the truck is stopped or moving very slowly (i.e., the steering box is having to put a lot of pressure on the pitman arm to turn the wheels).

Thanks in advance before I drive this thing into a lake

 

[Stomis]

None of the holes are wallowed out? No amount of torque in the world is going to hold a bolt from slopping around in a loose hole with hydraulic pressure pushing on it.

 

[y5mgisi]

I bet its the same problem i have. The rivets on the cross member are loosing up causing the frame and cross member to move against each other!

 

[miniwally]

If the rivets are loose weld the cross member and frame together.

 

[dangerdog]

If it still has the half ton axels could be a ball joint. I have had more than one make noise when they are going bad.

 

[clandr1]

None of the holes are wallowed out? No amount of torque in the world is going to hold a bolt from slopping around in a loose hole with hydraulic pressure pushing on it.

I'm positive they are not -- I could barely get the bolts through the holes after installing the ORD plate so I did have to open the holes on the plate only slightly to get the bolts through. As far as I know the holes in the frame itself are perfect.

I'm wondering if it could be the box rubbing slightly on the ORD plate because I'm not sure the steering box is sitting flush since the install.

I bet its the same problem i have. The rivets on the cross member are loosing up causing the frame and cross member to move against each other!

I'll have to check that out, thanks for the head's up.

If it still has the half ton axels could be a ball joint. I have had more than one make noise when they are going bad.

It is not -- I've laid under the truck and the noise is definitely coming from the area near the steering box.

 

[Stomis]

Then I bet you they are right and the frame is twisting slightly causing the noise from the crossmember.

 

[clandr1]

Then I bet you they are right and the frame is twisting slightly causing the noise from the crossmember.

Damn, I guess ORD needs to make a crossmember weld in brace kit

I'll see what I can do to strengthen the connection there. Any recommendations? Just get after it with a welder, or would I be better off drilling out the rivets and replacing them with some grade 8 nuts & bolts?

 

[Stomis]

Damn, I guess ORD needs to make a crossmember weld in brace kit

I'll see what I can do to strengthen the connection there. Any recommendations? Just get after it with a welder, or would I be better off drilling out the rivets and replacing them with some grade 8 nuts & bolts?

Honestly you're going to achieve the same thing. Welding it would be much easier. Wouldnt be a bad idea to at least get 2 of the rivet holes put together with bolts just so you dont weld it in crooked.

Also once you have the stock crossmember secured you could weld a piece of box tubing on and angle from the steering box area across to the other side of the frame. Common add on for the jeeper crowd as a steering box solution.