Steering box input shaft seal

[6.2Blazer]

The input shaft started leaking awhile back on my '90 K5 so finally got around to getting the seal kit and tore it apart this weekend. Ordered the Edelman 8535 which several places listed as the correct one. After removing the existing input seal the new one in the kit does not match. The one I pulled out of the box has a good bit bigger outer diameter than the new one. Need some help finding the right seal and/or application

- The seal kit comes with a snap ring, o-ring, seal, and dust cap. I pulled the lock ring and adjuster off the steering box which exposes the seal and pulled it out. There is no sign of the snap ring, o-ring, or dust cover is this setup. The new and old seal are the same style, but the outer diameter difference.

- The outer diameter of the existing seal is about 1.4" where as the new one is about 1.25", so obviously doesn't seat down in the bore at all. The inner diameter appears correct.

- I've kind of lost track of what steering box is currently on the K5. It got cross-over steering with a 2wd box years ago, and believe I've since put in a "rebuilt" parts store box since then (cut me some slack on my memory since I'm talking 10-15 years since). I also modified it with hydro assist so the box has been drilled and tapped. This should be just a regular ol' 2wd steering box that bolts on as it's not some one-off modified version I made fit or anything.

Spent some time on the 'net and YouTube and couldn't find anything.

 

[dyeager535]

First result I found, it has lots of pictures and decent descriptions, perhaps it will narrow down what you have?

https://leepowersteering.com/pages/how-to-identify-gearbox

 

[6.2Blazer]

Thanks for the link. It doesn't give me exactly what I need but some ideas on possibilities. Looks like the first gen IFS trucks ('88 - up) used the same size input shaft but the part number for the input seal kit is different, and the picture only shows a seal and o-ring which makes more sense than what I have. At least it's only $12 so not out much if not correct. I've owned this '90 K5 since 1994 and have always dealt with it being kind of an odd ball with parts and over the years wasn't unusual to order something for a '90 K5 but the part you get was for an '90 IFS truck........though this isn't the original steering box and was whatever was listed for an 80's era 2wd truck. I think I have the original 4wd steering box sitting in the garage so would be tempted to tear it apart.

 

[6.2Blazer]

Picked up an Edelmann 8777 kit yesterday (used an '98 C2500 as the model when ordering it). Didn't get a chance to look at it real close but through the plastic bag it looks like the correct seal. Plus this kit only has the seal and an o-ring. The kit listed for my truck has a seal, dust cap, snap ring, and o-ring.......but there was no sign of any dust cap or snap ring on mine. Hopefully will be able to try installing it this week.