2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Bad leak steering box 1994

[raxley]

Hi,
I took the vaccum pump and the other things bolted to it off and replaced the gaskets and checked the vacuum pump vanes, etc.
It is not leaking from there. It's leaking from the bottom of the steering box. Power steering fluid is used up close to a gallon a week, and I don't drive that much.
It is leaking around the spllined shaft in the picture. I didn't notice anything holding that big nut that attaches the steering knuckle (if that is the right term) to the steering. Can I just put a big wrench on this, or is there something else holding it on?
Any advice much appreciated

 

[BigPapa]

 

[Ozymandias]

The nut isn't the problem aside from a lot of torque, getting the arm of is the killer most of the time.

And if the shaft has play the bearing needs to be replaced at the same time otherwise a new seal kit won't help.

 

[Signal73]

It looks like there is a drip up by the input shaft which could be leaking as well.

 

[GAmes]

Most parts stores have a loan tool program for a pitman arm puller after you remove the nut and washer.

 

[raxley]

It looks like there is a drip up by the input shaft which could be leaking as well.

I think that is where wind is blowing it when I drive. (GAmes)
When/if I replace the seal, do I hammer (or carefully tap, or heat up and carefully tap) on? Thanks for the nomenclature clarification too.
Does anybody know if this is the Saginaw 800 or Saginaw 605? It's a 1994 2500 automatic. I guess I can get serial number off engine to find out, correct?

 

[raxley]

Is this right or am I indulging is wishful thinking?
I take off the nut, and the Pitman arm, and I can replace the bottom seal and rubber gaskets?
Doesn't seem too hard.

 

[Ozymandias]

You should see it immediately as the two look totally different just from the schematics.

 

[raxley]

Are these gearboxs sold rebuilt (or new?) Geno's doesn't have my year. They do have a upgrade for greater pressure ~$800, but I don't have any problems I'm aware of for that. Why would this be necessary?
These things don't wear out, do they? With lubrication, I don't see how (but I'm a carpenter, not a mechanic) I'm just wondering if the cost for rebuilding (seals for the two shafts + labor) is going to approach the cost of a complete rebuilt one.
Has anybody here replaced the seals? Is it a "bear"?

 

[raxley]

I guess the pressure increase from Geno's power steering pump upgrade is prolly for snowplows?

 

[Ozymandias]

Yes they wear out from all the beating they get down the road and need replacement after some time.

 

[NIsaacs]

Has anybody here replaced the seals? Is it a "bear"?

I have done several, parts are cheap. They are not hard, you just have to pay close attention to detail. Such as the balls, they are two different size/colors and need alternated as you drop them back in. Links to input, output and complete kits.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NPS7227

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NPS7419

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NPS7381

 

[Ozymandias]

Please do not rebuild a steering gear if you don't know perfectly how to do it properly. This is not a DIY object for the shade tree mechanic.
If that fails there are more life's in danger then just the driver itself.

 

[Matt42]

Yes they wear out from all the beating they get down the road and need replacement after some time.

2nd and 3rd Gen steering boxes get the living snot beat out of them. So yes, they wear out.

Please do not rebuild a steering gear if you don't know perfectly how to do it properly. This is not a DIY object for the shade tree mechanic.
If that fails there are more life's in danger then just the driver itself.

Agree. If you can source a new and upgraded replacement that uses two bearings, it'll last much longer and will also cut down on wandering.

 

[Joe Mc]

Around 10 years back I went with a PSC box as the original was leaking. I did have the steering stabilizer for many years prior. PSC box was notably larger than OEM due to larger bottom bearing and a top one. It came with spacers that had to be installed between the box and the frame due to being larger than OEM. Was a bear to install by myself. Had to do away with steering stabilizer. It has less turns lock to lock by ½ I think. Came with awesome instructions. Was almost $700 back then but well worth it. IMO.

 

[BigPapa]

Ozy explained to me the PSC gear is an actual Mopar OE 3rd Gen gear that’s been modified to work on the 2nd Gens.

 

[Ozymandias]

Yes, the 08 upgrade 6-bolt Box as our vehicles came from factory with the same wimpy jeep steering gear as the second Gens, more or less.