Where to get a steering box???

[jnicho]

I'm going to re-work the steering on my truck and I'm pretty sure I will end up replacing tie rod ends, drag link, and the steering box.  Are there any good sources for a rebuilt steering box?  I've sourced the rest of the steering parts I think.

[RobRobitaille]

I saw an exchange service on rock auto for the steering box

Related Parts   1951 DODGE TRUCK 3.6L 218cid L6 : Steering : Steering Gear   Price LARES Part # 8314    Manual Gear - Return and Rebuild Service Only - You send your part to be rebuilt and returned to you. We'll email shipping instructions after you submit your order.
1/2-1T

CAD$240.11  

[JBNeal]

have ya gone thru the shop manual and determined which parts are worn and if the steering box is out of adjustment?  The gearbox can be cleaned up & adjusted with surprising results

[HanksB3B]

Hi jnico,

 

These threads might help:

 

http://p15-d24.com/topic/19395-steering-box/

 

http://p15-d24.com/topic/20328-add-a-zerk-fitting-to-your-steering-box/?hl=%2Bzerk+%2Bfitting+%2Bsteering+%2Bbox

 

Hank 

Edited December 11, 2013 by HanksB3B

[jnicho]

Great info...I'll read up and tear into it and see what I can do.  Would be great if I could go through it and not have to replace it or have someone else rebuild it.

[HanksB3B]

Great info...I'll read up and tear into it and see what I can do.  Would be great if I could go through it and not have to replace it or have someone else rebuild it.

 

Jnicho,

 

That "someone else" would be getting about $300 give or take $50 and that's if you are lucky...double that number if you need a new worm.  So don't throw the baby out with the bath water quite yet. My recommendation:  Without removing the steering box, carefully remove the cover plate and delicately remove the shims (as if it were one gasket) with a new box-cutter blade (if you've got 5 it means your box has not been tampered with).  Next, flush the mechanism out with a spray can of solvent. Soak the shims (in gas maybe) so that you can separate them, then reinstall, eliminating one shim. Close the box up and fill with gear oil. 

 

Next is the adjustment stage:  This is where you "get the feel" of just how much play you can remove by snugging up the adjustment screw. The star washer limits this a little in that you can only move by increments (you'll see what I mean) It helps if the front wheels are off the ground a bit in that you can turn the wheels (both by holding the tires and turning the steering wheel) left to right and back again and get a feel for when it feels right.  Depending on just how worn the box is you might need to remove another shim and refill. 

 

Don't have too high of an expectation, this is not going to steer like a modern day car it's more like "there are good shopping carts and there are bad shopping carts" 

 

Good Luck, 

 

Hank 

 

P.S. Report if the box has lube in it  or is bone dry  . If you can, post a picture of your worm once the box is cleaned up.  It'll help determine the condition of your steering box.

Edited December 11, 2013 by HanksB3B

[jnicho]

Jnicho,

 

That "someone else" would be getting about $300 give or take $50 and that's if you are lucky...double that number if you need a new worm.  So don't throw the baby out with the bath water quite yet. My recommendation:  Without removing the steering box, carefully remove the cover plate and delicately remove the shims (as if it were one gasket) with a new box-cutter blade (if you've got 5 it means your box has not been tampered with).  Next, flush the mechanism out with a spray can of solvent. Soak the shims (in gas maybe) so that you can separate them, then reinstall, eliminating one shim. Close the box up and fill with gear oil. 

 

Next is the adjustment stage:  This is where you "get the feel" of just how much play you can remove by snugging up the adjustment screw. The star washer limits this a little in that you can only move by increments (you'll see what I mean) It helps if the front wheels are off the ground a bit in that you can turn the wheels (both by holding the tires and turning the steering wheel) left to right and back again and get a feel for when it feels right.  Depending on just how worn the box is you might need to remove another shim and refill. 

 

Don't have too high of an expectation, this is not going to steer like a modern day car it's more like "there are good shopping carts and there are bad shopping carts" 

 

Good Luck, 

 

Hank 

 

P.S. Report if the box has lube in it  or is bone dry  . If you can, post a picture of your worm once the box is cleaned up.  It'll help determine the condition of your steering box.

 

Excellent info...It may be a few weeks before I have time to get into it.  I'll report back with my findings.