2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission My steering box finally took a dump

[JL penner]

Just ordered a new PSC and a DSS... . ouch, there goes my funds for the onboard air... :{



I figured out when it's cold in the morning, all my fluid dumps out through the bottom shaft... . I originally thought it was my nitrogen canister going out and pushing all my fluid out the cap, but after it did this 4 or 5 times, I figured it couldn't go out that many times!! (without replacing it).....



So here's the question:



Are there any good write ups for replacing the steering box in my truck? Or will the Haynes take care of me (have to buy a new one, can't find the old one).



TIA



Johnny Loftin

 

[RDelissen]

unbolt the fluid lines, unbolt the gearbox and then vice versa ... add powersteering fluid and you're good to go

 

[HLEschenko]

After gearbox replacement, make sure the front wheels of the vehicle are off the ground when purging the oil lines and gearbox of residual air. Go from stop to stop slowly and check the steering pump oil level often to prevent running the pump dry.



Best of luck.

 

[Nate]

You'll need a pitman arm puller and a 1 5/16" socket or wrench (I believe that's the size) to get the nut off the pitman arm. Disco the steering shaft, (13mm bolt and then it will slide out toward the cab). Remove the 2 lines (18mm), unbolt the 3 bolts holding the box on and throw it in the dumpster.



Install the new one. Tighten that pitman arm nut TIGHT. I think it's around 200ft/lbs.



To bleed, get the front tires off the ground and turn the steering wheel lock to lock about 10 times with engine off. Check every so often that theres still p/s fluid in the pump reservior.



After hold down the brake pedal and fire it up, turning lock to lock. Do that 5-10 times. That's it.



Good idea to check the fluid later on cause there might be a bit more air that will work it's way out.



Any questions, just ask. I just replaced the one in my truck last week so it's still fresh in my mind.

 

[JSellers]

New steering box adjustments?

I'm also planning to replace my steering gear - want to buy a PSC unit, since I've read good things about them.



But, I wonder if the new gear unit will need to have the preload and over-center adjustments checked. Since these are bench adjustments (or so I've read - haven't really tried it yet on the original), wouldn't it be prudent to check before installation? Or is this a non-issue on a new/rebuilt gear? Do new steering gearboxes have these adjustments performed before shipment?



Am I just being paranoid about this? Has anyone who's purchased the PSC steering gear units had this concern? If so, were the adjustments needed?



Thanks,

John

 

[RDelissen]

I'm also planning to replace my steering gear - want to buy a PSC unit, since I've read good things about them.



But, I wonder if the new gear unit will need to have the preload and over-center adjustments checked. Since these are bench adjustments (or so I've read - haven't really tried it yet on the original), wouldn't it be prudent to check before installation? Or is this a non-issue on a new/rebuilt gear? Do new steering gearboxes have these adjustments performed before shipment?



Am I just being paranoid about this? Has anyone who's purchased the PSC steering gear units had this concern? If so, were the adjustments needed?



Thanks,

John

Hello John,



it was a straight bolt on/in, no adjustments needed

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

John If you get your box from Power Steering Services , Springfield Missouri, all adjustments will have been made. Few people are qualified to make the over center adjustment and it can not be made installed. Some do but it is only a question of time before excess wear has taken place. Best to order a box that only turns 3 turns lock to lock. Boxes all look the same on the outside. Check the turns before installing. There are a lot of boxes that are wrong (on the inside) for a Ram. Dodge does not know or care. A box that turns 4 and 1/4 turns will cause wandering, it is for larger taller trucks. Dodge chose to use GM boxes and obviously does not know about the internal differences. From Power Steering Services you can order a box that also has the small pistons which is what I did for my 98 12v and it steers like a car and was disgusting before. use your old box to exchange it is worth $100 less what it will cost you for shipping. It will weigh 31 Lbs. You can use the box the rebuilt one comes in. I feel sure that a lot of wrong boxes have been taken out and a wrong one put back in. Then the assumption is made well it wasn't the box when it actually was. With your engine idling turn your steering wheel lock to lock and count the turns. If you get 4 and 1/4 you will then know it needs to be replaced with a 3 turn box. I bought my truck new so the wrong box was put in on the assembly line. Jim 321 373 5756 anytime or -- email address removed --

 

[JL penner]

Got the PSC and the DSS installed last night... ... all I can say is WOW. The improvement is outstanding!



Only problem is, I think I went too long without swapping this, my power steering pump is gone...

 

[JL penner]

Power steering pump was fine by the way. I just replaced the fluid with synthetic and it's been good ever since.