Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Eating Steering Boxes. . .

[OTRPU]

All at once I'm in the dumper again. Replaced Steering Box with a Local Rebuilt, my DOC sub'ed it out. This was about 40k ago, I don't believe it but that's what his receipt says the ODO was then. Last week he put in a new Hydroboost. I hooked a 29 ft tag outta Twin Falls, ID, took the back road up El Capitan and through Yosemite Park to get to Fresno, CA. (I don't suggest this route unless you're on vacation. ) Dropped in Fresno, head for Rialto, CA, stop at a J for fuel. . . steering locks up, brakes spongy. Jump out and look, bleeding hydraulic fluid out the front of the steering box. Drive it 10 miles south on 99 to Dave's Refrigeration Truck & Trailer Repair. He throws in a junkyard unit and I'm on the road after a couple days. Tag trailer from Rialto, CA to Las Vegas, NV and after the drop I look under the truck and it's bleeding again. Top off the steering pump and DH to Colorado DOC, Thanksgiving meal with family, then drop the truck at DOC's early Friday before going to Father-in-Laws funeral. DOC called, box is leaking around the pitman arm seal. Looks like the JY box was bad. What's the OEM warranty on the steering box? I thought 100k, DOC says 36k. This is getting old fast.



Cheers,

OTR PU

 

[Alphacowboy]

100k miles only covers the engine. the drivetrain around the engine is only 36k

 

[OTRPU]

Well, that's what I needed to know. Thanks for the info. . . guess I'll plan on throwin in a box 3 times a year.



Cheers,

Steve J

 

[JR2]

You ought to look at a DSS (steering stabilizer), look here http://www.solidsteel.ca/DSS.htm It will help stabilize the shaft in the box and should help with the longevity of the seals.



You can get them in the US from several different folks, I like www.piersdiesel.com They take about 2 hours to install and make a world of difference in the steering on our trucks.