speaking of steering

[mazdarotary]

I have noticed some people mentioning checking the steering box mount on early truck recently. I an new to the TDR and will be heading out to MI (I live in MA)to look at/pick up a 92 D250 CC 5 speed in early december. I was wondering if this steering mount /frame problem is and issue with all 1st gen's or just early ones?Also is it a 4X4 problem or all models?The truck I am looking at belongs to a club member and has 185K on it. Should i inspect this area of the truck with added detail due to the mileage?Also I have noticed people talking about the shaft that runs down to the box having issues with a knuckle of some sort. Is this a early model/4X4 problem or is all models?Oh yeah what is this cowl crack that I have heard of as well?I just want to be well informed when i go to look at the truck. Thanks for the info.





Chris



83 Mazda RX-7 summer daily driver and weekend racer

In need of an engine now :>((

89 F-150 XLT lariat soon to be replaced

2001 Jayco 27' KIWI hybrid trailer

 

[Philip]

89 F-150 XLT lariat soon to be replaced

^-good man





The steering box mounting problrems is most a 4X4 problem. On the D series models. The box bolts to the frame. On the W (4X4) models they bolt to a bracket which is bolted to the frame. The bracket likes to crack. My new plate will be in today.



The steering connector is located right above the steering box on the staft from the steering wheel. It is a sore spot on Dodge trucks. Most people replace it with a borgeson shaft setup.



The cowl cracks are under the front fenders. The only way to see them is to remove the front fenders. If you hear any poping or cracking coming from the dash area when you are doing a test drive. Then it might have the cowls cracked. Or run some water over the windshield area and under the fenders with the hood up and then check for water in the floor boards.

 

[AlK]

Chris,

Take a look at the following site it will show you what the cowl crack is all about. http://www.dodge-diesel.org/yabbse/index.php?board=9;action=display;threadid=5867



One other thing to take note of is the 5spd getrag transmission. When you take it for a test drive listen for any growling in 4 or 5 gear. A lot of guys with the getrag transmission have added one extra litre of oil to help with the lubrication and hence extend the longevity of the transmission.

---

Al

 

[jlast]

crack

I just finished replacing my steering plate, and welding the frame back together. The plate had cracked, and the PO had welded back together incorrectly which put more stress on the frame. So the frame cracked almost all the way through! The frame crack started at the top of the frame right between the steering box and the front support where the framerail dips. Please check it over very carefully, as it was a very very big pain to weld it.



TY,

J

 

[b.ferrara]

wow I never heard of these problems, I have 215k on my 90'

w250. I would imagine my cowls are cracked, they'll be the

first thing i check in the morning. My transmission is original, as well as

my clutch & all of the power steering components. Good luck

with the truckOo. Oo.

 

[Hutchew]

Check yer rivets, too...

Any of you who have had problems with the steering box/plate/frame area, check out the rivets that hold the crossmember to the frame under the radiator. there are 4 on the bottom, but only one on top. The one on top has a tendency to wallow out over time and become loose, resulting in more frame flex in this area. I drilled mine out and replaced with a 1/2" bolt. Tightened up the steering considerably. Seriously thought about welding a brace between the two, as you can still see some flex in this area with everything tight.

 

[b.ferrara]

cowl cracks

wow i'm learning alot through tdr, pass side cowl as small crack,

drivers side not yet, but can see will be there soon. As far as power steering everything seems to be ok, probably jinxed

myself I'll let you know what happens in the near future. Thanks

for the info.