Archived Steering Box Seal Leaking Bad "Truck Down"

[zmpm1]

Need to know if there is a heavy duty replacement steering box or a upgraded version for a 1996 CTD 3500 4X4 it does have a 7" Skyjacker Lift and 38" tires. Any recommendations are appreciated.

 

[Glen Pratt]

PSC Inc. www.offroadsteering.com

<TABLE style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; WIDTH: 100%; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px"><TBODY><TR><TD class=make colSpan=2>DODGE TRUCKS</TD></TR><TR><TD class="small bold center" style="WIDTH: 155px" rowSpan=2>#ad





841M



</TD><TD class="bold purple text">93-01 4X4 DODGE TRUCKS</TD></TR><TR><TD><TABLE style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; WIDTH: 100%; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px"><TBODY><TR><TD class="text bold name">841M</TD><TD class="text bold price">$300. 00</TD><TD class=text>X-treme Duty 13-16:1 variable ratio, 3/4" x 30 input shaft, metric o-ring ports</TD></TR><TR><TD class="text bold name">841X</TD><TD class="text bold price">$315. 00</TD><TD class=text>X-treme Duty 13-16:1 variable ratio, 3/4" x 30 input shaft, metric o-ring ports, valved light for very easy steering </TD></TR><TR><TD class="text bold name"></TD><TD class="text bold price"></TD><TD class=text></TD></TR><TR><TD class="text bold name">841MR</TD><TD class="text bold price">$355. 00</TD><TD class=text>X-treme Duty w/ Cylinder assist, 13-16:1 variable ratio, 3/4" x 30 input shaft, metric o-ring ports</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
If the pitman shaft seal is leaking it can be replaced. It's a pretty simple job. You'll need a pitman arm puller. Once the pitman arm(no need to remove the drag link) is removed you'll see a snap ring. Remove the snap ring. Place a bucket under the steering box. Have some watch while you start the truck. Cut the wheel from lock to lock. This will blow the old seal right out and most of the old fluid. Shut truck down. I installed the new seal with a piece of pvc pipe as a seal driver. Install snap ring and pitman arm. Fill the power steering pump with fresh fluid and with out starting the truck cut the wheel back and forth form lock to lock approx. 20 to 30 times to bleed out the air. I changed out my seal but eventually it started leaking again. What happens with a lift kit and big tires is the pitman shaft starts racking in the box. You should look in to getting a DSS steering brace from Solid Steel Industries. http://www.solidsteel. biz/product_dss.htm You could try changing the seal so you can use your truck until you get a new box. -Glen

 

[zmpm1]

A big thanks for the Information and links Glen it is appreciated. Sounds like a easy enough job. Mike

 

[Glen Pratt]

Is that the seal that's leaking? If and when you do change the box I forgot to mention raise the front wheel off the ground with jack stands. Makes things much easier. The steering box is easy to change. Pitman arm, mounting bolts, and the power steering hoses from the pump. Use the same procedure to bleed the air out of the system. I just mentioned the seal part because you can do that fix in a couple hours and be driving your truck while you wait for the new steering box to come.

 

[zmpm1]

Glen,That is the seal leaking I have a steering box coming from PSC and I am looking Into the steering brace. You don't happen to have the seal number for the steering box do you? I seem to be having trouble finding a seal locally and the steering box will not ship until Next friday 7-24-05. Thanks for all the help. Mike

 

[Glen Pratt]

Mike, Sorry I don't have the seal number. Good luck with the steering box swap it's a pretty simple job. Definitley get the steering brace. Your steering box will thank you and last for may years to come. Get yourself some synthetic power steering fluid for your new box. RedLine, Royal Purple, and Valvoline make synthetic power steering fluid. Have a nice weekend. -Glen

 

[zmpm1]

Thank's, For all the help Glen I just wasn't asking the right questions to the parts counter salesmen at Napa found out the seals are available thru Napa or DC asked PSC what the seals are called and I found out it is just a steering box reseal kit I was just trying to buy the seal 16. 95 later the seal is changed and back on the road and waiting on the new box and brace. Good Idea about the synthetics I will give them a try. Again thank you for all the Info. Mike