Sector shaft moves... what rebuild is necessary

[camiswelding]

While inspecting my truck today for a steering clunk I found that the steering box sector shaft moves up and down about 1/2 inch during left turns... rather abruptly....
box doesnt leak
50 k original miles....v3500 crew... like new
no off road... tow truck only

Whats involved in fixing this,,, or is it better to get a reman'd box?

In searching the forum the comments were that it is too hard to rebuild.... hmmm

any box upgrades worthwhile?
many thanks
cam

 

[Zeus33rd]

I would think it depends on what your time is worth to ya and what your money situation is. Rebuilding those things can't be too complicated, but it takes time, it's messy and prolly a pain in the ass in some way. But it's cheaper. Pickin up a new box and just bolting it on is waaaay faster, less complicated, and easier, but obviously more $$$.

That said, I opted to just get a new box when my sector shaft did what you describe. But mine was pouring fluid...New box, problem solved in less than 20 minutes.