Steering Gearbox

[bubbatrucklover]

So as the on going trials and tribulations of my luck continue, I took my truck in today to get the idler arm, idler arm bracket and pitman arm replaced.

In order to do the pitman arm they need to pull the steering gearbox(after market lift is blocking it from below )

So has anyone had experience with heavy duty steering gearboxes? I figure if I have to pay for them to pull it and put it back on I miswell look for a new one. Not sure if I need one more robust then an OEM reman, but IDK.

That way "just in case" happens now instead of "wish I had" later. I have been replacing parts w/ Moog, but didn't see the whole assembly available on thier website or Rock Auto(where I have been getting my Moog parts from).

Links would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Kennyray]

I think OEM should be good. If you have any doubts , use a box from a 3/4 or 1 ton.

 

[bubbatrucklover]

I think OEM should be good. If you have any doubts , use a box from a 3/4 or 1 ton.

I like the 3/4 ton idea Ken. I wasn't sure it would bolt up and connect properly?

 

[Kennyray]

I think OEM should be good. If you have any doubts , use a box from a 3/4 or 1 ton.

I like the 3/4 ton idea Ken. I wasn't sure it would bolt up and connect properly?

I'm not sure either, but I believe it will. Both boxes come in 33 and 32 spline sector shafts.

 

[bubbatrucklover]

I'm not sure either, but I believe it will. Both boxes come in 33 and 32 spline sector shafts.

Worth a look/see. Thanks Ken. No harm in going to a parts store and have them pull both 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton and look at them side by side.

 

[Kennyray]

I'm not sure either, but I believe it will. Both boxes come in 33 and 32 spline sector shafts.

Worth a look/see. Thanks Ken. No harm in going to a parts store and have them pull both 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton and look at them side by side.

That's what I would do.

 

[bubbatrucklover]

For those interested. The parts computer at O'reilly shows the same for both half and three quarter ton.

 

[Stumpuller6.5]

I`ve rarely ever replaced steering boxes, they are very stout peices, I don`t see a point in replacing it unless you have over 300k miles, they are adjustable for internal wear. Unless the box is binding after several adjustments, there should not be a need to replace it.

And typically the 3/4 ton boxes use different pitman arms, with a different number of alignment splines, and then who knows if the 3/4 ton pitman arm is longer/shorter/different angle/different size....etc.

 

[drperry]

I`ve rarely ever replaced steering boxes, they are very stout peices, I don`t see a point in replacing it unless you have over 300k miles, they are adjustable for internal wear. Unless the box is binding after several adjustments, there should not be a need to replace it.

And typically the 3/4 ton boxes use different pitman arms, with a different number of alignment splines, and then who knows if the 3/4 ton pitman arm is longer/shorter/different angle/different size....etc.

People would take the ZQ8 steering box and put it in the S-Series...

Quicker ratio for more responsive steering


Still, if the steering box hasn't had any problems, don't mess with it... Power steering pump, however, could probably use an upgrade for the bigger tires

 

[bubbatrucklover]

I`ve rarely ever replaced steering boxes, they are very stout peices, I don`t see a point in replacing it unless you have over 300k miles, they are adjustable for internal wear. Unless the box is binding after several adjustments, there should not be a need to replace it.

And typically the 3/4 ton boxes use different pitman arms, with a different number of alignment splines, and then who knows if the 3/4 ton pitman arm is longer/shorter/different angle/different size....etc.

I`ve rarely ever replaced steering boxes, they are very stout peices, I don`t see a point in replacing it unless you have over 300k miles, they are adjustable for internal wear. Unless the box is binding after several adjustments, there should not be a need to replace it.

And typically the 3/4 ton boxes use different pitman arms, with a different number of alignment splines, and then who knows if the 3/4 ton pitman arm is longer/shorter/different angle/different size....etc.

People would take the ZQ8 steering box and put it in the S-Series...

Quicker ratio for more responsive steering


Still, if the steering box hasn't had any problems, don't mess with it... Power steering pump, however, could probably use an upgrade for the bigger tires

Thanks to both of you. This all started months ago with wanting an alignment. I was given a list of 6 things needed(pitman arm,idler arm,idler arm bracket, DS ball joint,PS hub assembly and new bushungs for my lift) did the hub assembly and ball joint ASAP.

I wasn't sure about the stoutness of the steering box. I have the choice of $200 labor to pull the current steering box and remount it along with the new pitman arm(which I have) and then align. Costing me $200(OBVIOUSLY) plus alignment OR replace both parts new for about $400 ish.(plus alignment) My only concern was spending another $400 parts and labor down the road "IF" the gear box fwonked up.

So far ya'll and several others have assured me that I would be spending too much at this time for a "what if". Thanks again. I will precide with the old box and new arm.