Steering Box Replacement?

[K5Blazer28]

Steering Box started leaking the other day after offroading.... Ive established it needs to be replaced, but my mech. wants a nice chunk of my wallet to do it... its it a big pain in the ass to replace it yourself ?

whats your guys' two Cents?

 

[trikstark5]

No it is not a big pain to do. I just had mine out a couple of weeks ago to install a weld in repair kit because I had cracks in the frame and installed a steering brace as well. It took me about 40 minutes to remove. The steering arm coming off the steering box is going to be your biggest problem. I would recommend a good puller and start soaking it with some WD-40. I have only heard that this was the biggest pain, but I never had to pull it off before. I wouldn't take it some one to do. Good luck.

 

[K5Blazer28]

thx

 

[BulldogK5]

While you are that far in you might as well put in a frame brace too. At least if you plan on modding much more.

 

[K5Blazer28]

What purpose do the braces serve?

 

[BulldogK5]

Reinforces the frame where the box attaches. These trucks are prone to cracking through the bolt holes even with stock size tires. There is a weld in brace and a bolt in brace. Either one is good, both is better.

There have been quite a few threads about this. Try looking in the ORD forum for a little better help on it. Mine wasn't cracked but an ounce of prevention as they say. And I have seen one crack from the stress.

 

[gmc4cw]

if you still have the standard push-pull steering then getting the arm off is really easy. remove the crossbolt completely. use a large chisel in the split in the arm. it will open up the mounting hole just enough that the arm will come off.

2 hydro lines, 1 rag joint and 4 bolts holding it to the frame. anybody that can turn a wrench can do it.

be patient bleeding the air out of the new one. have the tires off the ground and turn the wheel lock to lock with the engine off to fill the box with fluid from the pump. I recommend synthetic fluid. it has a higher boiling point and will not bubble as much as regular fluid.

 

[trikstark5]

Also check the frame, particularly around the mounting bolt holes, for any cracks at all. Shine a light from the other side of the frame and look for any light to glare through.

 

[K5Blazer28]

thanks guys this helps alot. Where's my best bet to get a replacement box ? Whereshould I be looking ?

 

[gmc4cw]

thanks guys this helps alot. Where's my best bet to get a replacement box ? Whereshould I be looking ?

do you need a 4wd or 2wd box?

if its 4wd I would post an ad in the wanted section. there has to be someone who took one off in favor of a 2wd to go crossover that would love to sell you one.

if you need a 2wd I would tell you to check the for sale section, I know of at least one person with one for sale.
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2172380#post2172380

 

[K5Blazer28]

ya i guess ill just post up and hope to find one soon =]

 

[bp71k5]

You can also get them from most any parts store with a warranty included.

 

[MA87K5]

Autozone lifetime warranty $145.00. I run 33" tires with one from them and I still have no problems.second one from them. Stock one was bad then the second one was damaged (seal around shaft leaking) due to me going crazy with my K5. They still warrantied it.

 

[K5Blazer28]

ya thats my problem... busted the seal from goin balls to the wall ...

Autozone lifetime warranty $145.00. I run 33" tires with one from them and I still have no problems.second one from them. Stock one was bad then the second one was damaged (seal around shaft leaking) due to me going crazy with my K5. They still warrantied it.

 

[habitatxskate]

i got one, a 4wd one, came with some rears i bought..running driving truck.. the fluid inside has no water in it, i think..50 bucks and its yours dude.. im at 07630

and i blew a seal in my current one, i hate getting stuck so i decided to cut the wheel to gain traction, all my weight and the steering box couldn't take it..oh well **** happens..it adds character.