steering gear/box

[rezsst]

did some reading and thought id ask the experts. my steering gear is sloppy and needs replaced. would like to someday have cross over. can i do the 2wd box with pitman arm for a 6" lift and later do the rest?

 

[MTBLAZER89]

Are you sure it't the gear box?

More likely is the rag joint and tie rod/drag link ends that are worn.

No you can't do the 2wd box and pitman arm and keep the push pull. There may be a way to cobble it together, but it is steering after all.

Get a 2wd junkyard box for 1/3 the price and then you can afford the pitman arm and draglink with ends from WFO and a steering arm.

Ive had more issues with part store rebuilt boxes than any of the junkyard boxes I have used.

 

[rezsst]

Yes the box is bad even the alignment guys confirmed it. A used box is better than a remanded. How are the cardone's 27-7513. Thought they where good made in America

 

[blazer74]

I've got the cardone from orielly's and have no issues with it.
If your not happy with it take it back.

 

[MTBLAZER89]

Yeah I wasn't saying they are all garbage, but I know the majority around here will suggest a junkyard box unless you are buying an upgraded ported for hydro box or something. They are pretty robust parts

 

[blazer74]

I do agree, remanufactured parts are hit or miss nowadays.

 

[colbystephens]

Yes the box is bad even the alignment guys confirmed it.

Who are your alignment guys? I ask because I doubt most alignment shops would know much about a steering box. Doing an alignment on these trucks is pretty much as simple a task as you could possibly do.

Ask them about the condition of your rag joint. If they didn't look, I wouldn't trust their confirmation. If they don't know what it is, then I really wouldn't trust their confirmation. If they say it's in perfect condition, then I'd go out and check it myself before I trust their confirmation.

 

[rezsst]

went to brakes plus because there new here and have new equipment. i can tell its the box. the pitman arm moves up and down when you turn the wheel. i guy i work with suggested a shim kit. rag joint still good no slop. also have a bad bearing at the end of the collium. cant find one. brakesplus said the left side is at .49 camber and should be .50 to 1.50. think i'll go with o'rielly's they have been super good to me and hire people with some experience. so returns are no problems. fyi i had to straighten a pitman arm and a tie rod on a old ford i had (72 ltd ) many years ago with a torch after a wreck worked great for many years perfectly straight down the road. even welded a pitman arm one time for a freind. crazy