2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission steering box again -only 50k on this one and needs replacement

[Shooter]

Well got new track bar, front tires pointing the same direction, centered gear box then the alignment. Pitman shaft has about 3/16ths lateral thrust before the shaft starts rotating. YES! I already tried adjusting pre load to no avail. If I did not try some would say it will correct lateral thrust even though it will only ajust longitudinal thrust.

Front axle scales 4600# MT and 4400# with 5th.

Has any one had any better luck with aftermarket boxes ???



I know a while back some tried and most go boxes that were just as sloppy as their old ones.



Thanks

 

[Shooter]

TTT

 

[LSMITH]

I feel your pain Jack. My 99 has about 65K on the newest box (my third) and I need another one too. Same problem as yours, shaft is sloppy.



What it needs is a bushing or a bearing on the pitman shaft at the bottom of the gear to support it. Then it might last. I am going to look in the shop to see if I have the tooling to bore it out just enough to clean up, and install a bearing inside of a bushing (so I can buy a standard bearing). Maybe if I can find some oilite bronze I will just make a bushing and forget the bearing. I will shoot you an email if I get it done and let you know how it came out.

 

[Shooter]

If you read all the adv. hype about the 2k+3's they mention NEW CLOSER TOERANCE STEERING COMPONITS. They cant't help but be closer, there are no tolerances ( OOPPPs since there are no tolerances then how can you get closer ???? ).

 

[Steve Campbell]

Could you "steer" me in the right direction

Going down the road, what are the symptoms of this steering box problem? When I go to pass someone, and really mash down on the go pedal, I wonder, at times, what lane I am going to wind up in when it is all over. I guess I need to have someone turn the wheel while I am under there, or pry on the shaft to see if I have the dreaded "play". My truck is at 63,500 mi, so I am ripe for the problem.

 

[LSMITH]

Steve, just lay under the front while someones saws the wheel back and forth. The truck can be off. Just have them turn until it gets difficult and then the other way, back and forth. At 63K I would bet lunch that your trackbar is shot unless you changed it at least once already and that the steering gear shaft will wobble back and forth . 100". You are also in the right area for tie rod ends and possibly balljoints.



Lay under there and take note of all the parts that are moving independently or less than the rest. This will get you a good list to get the truck to drive decently again.

 

[Steve Campbell]

LSMITH

Thanks, I have already checked and changed the trackbar and pitman arm rod end. the rest look fine, except, I did not look at the steering shaft while checking the others.



Maybe tomorrow, busy today!!!

 

[Shooter]

^^^^