Steering box bracket replacement

[formula]

Last week, when I was investigating some steering play, I discovered that my steering box bracket was starting to crack I got a new bracket from the local dealer for about $16 I did the bracket R&R today. It was a relatively easy job. Some tools that made things go more smoothly were an impact gun and a 1/2 inch drive universal joint. There was no need to disconnect the drag link or pitman arm. (leaving them connected allows the box to be supported so the fluid lines don't get kinked) I did, however remove the input shaft so I could swing the box away from the frame.



Here's some pics of the R&R



(the arrows are pointing at the crack in the old bracket)



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Cheers,

Sean

 

[MMiller]

Seems to be kinda typical with our dodges, 'specailly when they get 4wheeled some and dropped in a hole or two. I did my plate several years ago. I think the PN had changed about 6 times before the dealer got the lastest and greatest. I think it was only about $12 then. My steering would "POP" when turning to the left, every time.



Glad it went well for you. I went a step further and used new CAT grade 8 hardware when installing mine.



Michael Miller

 

[AMikonis]

Make sure you inspect the bolt holes in the frame when you have the plate off, too. On my last truck, the frame cracked and the front bolt pulled clean out. That was easy to spot. :--)



Andy

 

[formula]

I did check the frame when the box was off. Looked good



Sean

 

[WyattEarp]

Formula, in your very first picture where your showing the crack(no not that crack lol) to the left of the bracket is a support part, mine is broke where the bottom pin(can't call those bolts that hold it on more like large rivets)and on the right side, does anyone and i mean anyone know how that can be fixed or replaced, im afraid that may end up causing a problem or worse a accident... IF ANYONE HAS A CLUE, PLEASE REPLY OR PM ME... Thanks

 

[MMiller]

Wow, you really dug up the archives this time. Are you saying the support is cracked or the rivet is sheered? Has the truck been wrecked? You should be able to get the support from say a salvage yard, and then using new bolts, install it on your truck.



Michael

 

[Philip]

Wyatt ypur talking about the front spring perch support bracket. Mine did the same thing last year. I found it when I removed my front bumper after my run in with a deer.



Here is a pic of how I fixed mine.



I left the main support that is revited to the frame. I used a torch and removed the inner piece. I had a metal fab shop make the inner piece. Then I welded in the new piece after trimming to fit. I still need to trim some more. But I'll wait till I have the dog house off this summer when I change out my cab.