steering box?

[mad_burban]

So ive been looking around and just hearing story's of steering boxes going out. Me personally ive allready toasted my original steering box before i lifted it. My question is would it be worth while to get an aftermarket steering box or ? Ive noticed on some of the boxes that they have spline counts, call me a n00b or a virgin but from my knowledge my burban has the steering shaft that bolts to the column and the steering box. Least when i swapped it out 4 bolts on the frame and 2 for the steering shaft and i didnt notice anywhere that could have splines on it? any info idea's? My general idea is to replace everything that can be broke before i actually go out minus the test runs.

 

[4X4HIGH]

The input shaft where the steering shaft bolts up to have 2 different spline counts and diameters. Also the steering hose fittings changed mid year in 1980. 1st design box up to mid 1980 used flare fitting lines and mid 1980 and later is 2nd design and used O-ring style lines.

 

[mad_burban]

Yeah i had to figure that out the hardway, the burbs an 85 and i grabbed a 70'S? box and man i played all kinds of hell getting the lines to fit, ended up grinding the fittings on the original hose's down a bit, worked like a charm.

 

[isaac]

i got a steering box form autozone no problems for the past 2 years i would reccomend one of these if you are looking for a replacement. they were the cheapest and they had a lifetime warranty.

 

[6.2Blazer]

I have rarely ever heard of a steering box failing. A lot of people crack the frame where the box mounts and even rip the whole box off, but that's more of a mounting issue then a box issue. I personally did break off one of the mounting ears on the box but only because the other 3 frame locations and/or bolts all broke.

The only spline difference I know of is what was already mentioned and that it mainly between the 2wd and 4wd boxes.

 

[454k30]

I also have not heard of too many boxes failing usually the pumps burn up and that does seem to happen with some regularity. I like using a stock style box as they are cheaper and easier to find replacements for than those high dollar ones.

 

[4X4HIGH]

I just rebuild my own box. I'm doing a rebuild on one right now for a friend and also drilling and tapping it for hydro assist. The rebuilt kit is only $39.00. Once you tear one apart and then get into a chiltons or motors manual it is easy to rebuild them.

 

[GNERGY]

Whats all entailed in rebuilding one. Does it get rid of the slop in there or does it just stop it from leaking? I never messed with one of those, so I'm real interested in the how to's. Got any tips.
Tarey

 

[mad_burban]

I've thought about that but i wanna replace my steering column with one that doesnt have a ignition in it and i can get pretty cheap get a shaft for it and buy an aftermarket box, btw anyone try a aftermarket steering box? ive seen some in jegs before and was curious.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Whats all entailed in rebuilding one. Does it get rid of the slop in there or does it just stop it from leaking? I never messed with one of those, so I'm real interested in the how to's. Got any tips.
Tarey

The rebuild kit consist of all new rubber O-rings, teflon sealing rings, input seals, input bearing, sector shaft seals, sector shaft bearing, new snap rings, and the sector shaft cover gasket and new adjusting nut. There are basically two adjustments that will remove play from the steering box, one is the input shaft preload adjustment, and the second is the sector shaft adjustment. When you buy a rebuild kit it does comes with instructions but a Chiltons or Motors manual is probably a better source for info and detailed pics.

 

[tacoma]

anyone got a part number so I don't have to rassle with the "help"? My box started puking fluid 2 days ago.

 

[4X4HIGH]

There are 2 different rebuild kits depending on the year of the box. Measure the splined input shaft that is the determining factor. If it is 13/16" then it is 1976 and earlier and the part number is 35034 Gates.

 

[K5Blazer28]

i just replaced my steering box with an after market one i got from my local auto parts store. works like a charm so far, it been about 2 months now.