Steering Stiffness After Steering Box Seal Replacement

[CRM318]

After replacing the input and output seals on my steering box in my 1979 K5 Blazer 4WD, it is incredibly hard to turn my wheel to the right. I can turn the wheel to the left with my pinky, but at any point turning to the right, it is worse than no power steering. Is there an adjustment that I could be off on (like the big hexagonal retainer ring)? I also performed this test with the front wheels off the ground. The have gone lock to lock a few times and notice the brand new fluid is cloudy. I can't find any replacement boxes for the 79' and down year models that aren't outrageously expensive. The 80' and up seem to be at all my local stores. The box performed great before this.

 

[imiceman44]

After replacing the input and output seals on my steering box in my 1979 K5 Blazer 4WD, it is incredibly hard to turn my wheel to the right. I can turn the wheel to the left with my pinky, but at any point turning to the right, it is worse than no power steering. Is there an adjustment that I could be off on (like the big hexagonal retainer ring)? I also performed this test with the front wheels off the ground. The have gone lock to lock a few times and notice the brand new fluid is cloudy. I can't find any replacement boxes for the 79' and down year models that aren't outrageously expensive. The 80' and up seem to be at all my local stores. The box performed great before this.

It might not be something you did but there's a bypass valve in the box that diverts the fluid pressure to one side or the other, if it gets stuck you only have assist in one direction.
It happened on my big rig and it was nightmare.
I ended up finding a low miles used one but I am sure you could flush it and fix the problem.
The fact your fluid is cloudy reinforces the diagnosis.

 

[K85 Octane]

Yep, valve or you still have air in the lines
What happens with front wheels in the air, engine off, and running lock to lock 20-30 times?

 

[CRM318]

Well, today, I removed the drag link and turned the wheel from side to side 30-40 times with the engine off. It felt pretty good. With the engine on, it felt stiff turning to the right side. I was actually able to find a reasonably priced gear box on Summit Racing. It should be here on Monday. I'll keep you updated.

 

[imiceman44]

Well, today, I removed the drag link and turned the wheel from side to side 30-40 times with the engine off. It felt pretty good. With the engine on, it felt stiff turning to the right side. I was actually able to find a reasonably priced gear box on Summit Racing. It should be here on Monday. I'll keep you updated.

Yeah with power steering working against you in the one direction confirms where the problem is

 

[CRM318]

Installed the new gear box and gave it 30 lock to lock turns on jackstands before start up. Topped off the fluid and went for a drive. The new gear box feels really good. I'll have to adjust the drag link as the steering wheel is a little off center. It does, however, whine when turning. The fluid is full. Are there any other ways to purge/bleed the system of air?

 

[tarussell]

Installed the new gear box and gave it 30 lock to lock turns on jackstands before start up. Topped off the fluid and went for a drive. The new gear box feels really good. I'll have to adjust the drag link as the steering wheel is a little off center. It does, however, whine when turning. The fluid is full. Are there any other ways to purge/bleed the system of air?

One method that helps purge the air is to elevate the front and with the engine running turn the actual tires/wheels ( not the steering wheel ) manually back and forth full lock to lock at least twenty to thirty times while pausing at each full lock for a moment - this will help force the air out.