Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) crazy steering box problem?

[ballpeen]

my 95 developed a leak at pitman arm shaft. it works well and the shaft does not move around. so i took off the pitmam arm off and bought a seal kit. i went to take off the snap ring and there was a seal there, i was beffudled, so i took out that seal and found the snap ring and washer. i took off the snap ring and the high pressure seal came out under pressure while turning wheel. i have had the truck for 80 thousand miles. no leak, and i could not understand why the dust seal was on the outside of the snap ring like it was, so i put in a new seal kit and there is not enough room for all the seals and washers so i can't get the snap ring to seat. i am sure the previous owner found the same problem and that is why the dust seal was on the outside of the snap ring. it seems to me that the bearing moved down a bit causing this problem. but the box is in fine shape mechanically. has this ever happened to anyone and what should i do. i realize the box should be replaced but i have heard alot of bad things about replacement boxes. i am going to try the same fix again i. e. put in the high pressure seal and washer and snap ring and just put the dust seal outside that. the pressure seal i took out was in bad shape, so maybe i have a chance. but this is a very weird situation. any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[B.G. Smith]

I am looking at a factory service manual and it shows the items installed as you found them, high pressure seal, washer, retainer then dust seal. bg

 

[ballpeen]

i looked at two different seal kits and both sets of directions for installation of the seals for that saginaw box said to put in the pressure seal with the plastic washer then the dust seal then the metal washer then the snap ring. napa and carquest both. it is plain as the day is long on the instructions of the seal kit. i beat on the pipe i used for a driver like hell on to make sure snap ring was all the way in so i thought it was, but it sure didn't work. wish i could scan them directions to put em on here. thanks for the real deal, where can i get a factory service manual. that would be a great asset as my old truck is probably going to have some things going wrong finally. sure would be nice to have one. so my steering box has never been messed with after all. nice to know. do you think that the new seal was ruined when it was pushed out? or should i buy another kit and try again. i know its hard to tell if a seal is perfect or not, but the one that came out of there was not alright for sure. it was plain to see that it was squared off on one side. thanks alot.

 

[SKnapp]

i ran into that direction problem also. the dirrections are all wrong.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Don't know if you can still buy a FSM for your truck. Here are a few. bg eBay - dodge truck service manual, Parts Accessories, Catalogs items on eBay.com

 

[CSnyder]

Geno's Garage sells the best manuals you will find!