2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering Box Install

[Cummins360]

Ok I ordered an PSC steering box the other day and a DSS, My question is how do I go about installing the new steering box, Is there anything to look out for?? What is the best way to line up the imput shaft and the sector shaft with the pitman arm?? And what is the best way to bleed the system after I'm done installing the box??

Thanks, Travis

 

[Cummins360]

Anyone??????? I know someone out there has replaced a steering box before.

 

[JL penner]

I know there are a good set of instructions out there. I just can't seem to find them. I did this myself earlier this year.



One thing to watch out for from experience is don't jack with the steering wheel when you have the box disconnected. I broke my clock spring.



I'll keep looking for my posts about it.





JL

 

[JL penner]

Found the post:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1452415#post1452415

 

[Deejayare]

Steering Box

Anyone??????? I know someone out there has replaced a steering box before.

I have a horrible memory, but I'll do what I can for ya. I put my truck in the air on H. D. jack stands (see Mr. Burchfields posts on safety) On the tear down get ready to catch a lot of fluid. I'm tidy I used an oil change pan to catch it, then oil dry for the rest. The only item I removed was the intercooler tube.



Should be two hoses that feed the box that need disconnecting. Center your steering wheel before you detach the pitman arm. You need a good pitman arm puller. Create a reference point on the steering linkage relative to the frame or some other fixed spot, prior to pulling the pitman arm. If the linkage or the wheel gets moved during the repair your steering wheel will be off center and need to be restored via alignment or adjusting the pitman arm.



I used a 3/4 impact for the fasteners. Remove the pitman nut & arm. Remove the three bolts holding the box to the frame. Reverse the above instructions for installation. When reattatching the pitman arm becarefull not to over torque the nut, like I did. You will strip the nut, if you're lucky. If you're unlucky you can damage the new box. Use some thread locker on the bolts that hold the box.



Use new PS fluid for the fill. Bleed the lines. I would check and recheck the bolts after a few miles. Safety first. If you are installing the PSS box from Springfield, MO the result will be amazing.



Good luck let me know if I can assist further.



Jake

 

[myneckbred]

Really it's a pretty straight-forward install. Just make sure you don't spin the steering wheel once the box is removed. It can only go one way but, if you spin the shaft too much you will damage the clock spring in the column. Chris

 

[JKaptchinskie]

Is there a bleeder valve on the box somewhere? How do you bleed these lines after the new box is installed?

 

[KWentling]

There is no bleeder valve. Fill the pump with fluid. You need to turn the wheel from lock to lock at least a dozen times with the engine off. Refill the pump with fluid and repeat the process untill the pump remains full. Then start the truck and turn it lock to lock a few times and recheck the fluid level. It can be a real pain to get all the air out. Don't start the truck untill you're sure you have all the air out you can get.



Kim

 

[RACE427]

Ohio Diesel ?

So how are things going at Ohio Diesel? Do you like the school? The instructors there can set you straight how to replace the steering box in your Dodge. Have not heard from you since graduation.

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

I have a 98 12v and I replaced my steering box because it was the wrong ratio. If your steering wheel will turn 4&1/4 turns stop to stop you have the WRONG box. A 3 turn is what you need to not wander all over the road. Check the new box before you install it by turning the input shaft stop to stop. I found it easier to remove the left front wheel and fender well liner and work through the exposed access holes. I sat on a stool under the fender and was not too uncomfortable. When you replace the fender liner you may want to go to Ace hardware and get some hex head sheet metal screws, the plastic fasteners break during removal. You will see how much easier it is to R&R the fuel filter from under the fender. $50 at the dealer for a new filter and $15 elsewhere. CAUTION, use suitable Jack Stands, a hydraulic jack can not be trusted, a seal can rupture at any time. When you disconnect the hydraulic lines wrap the ends with a clean rag to guard against contamination. 17 MM wrench. Be sure to place your steering wheel dead center and measure from a mark on the tie rod to a frame rail and go buy this measurement when you put the shaft back on and your steering wheel will be centered. If the right front wheel remains on the ground that should help keep the pitman arm/tie rod in proper position. Just before you connect the shaft check to make sure the steering wheel is still centered. Before you install the new box center the input shaft and mark it incase it moves you will know. When you remove the 3 bolts holding the box to the frame make sure it does not fall on you. It weighs 31 pounds. Get a friend to help if possible. I like having somebody to hand me this and hand me that. There are rubber "O" rings on the ends of the hydraulic lines. I replaced them even though they looked good. Once everything is back together fill the resevoir with PS Fluid (synthetic is best) and place your Jack so as to take most of the weight off the front tires. Allow your engine to idle and turn your steering wheel stop to stop several times and keep checking the fluid level because as the air goes out the fluid level will go down. After you test drive check the fluid level again. The results of the test drive will make your labor well worth while. You truck will now drive/steer like a car. If you have any questions or I forgot something E-mail -- email address removed -- or phone 321 373 5756 anytime. Enjoy, I was 77 when I did mine so I know anybody could do it. Don't rush and follow common sense SAFETY rules.