Archived steering box shot

[brisenhoover]

I have a 97 3500 that has driven terrible since new. Have had 7 track bars waranteed in 80,000 miles and one on my own at 90,000 miles. Now that the extended warr. ran out I find out the steering box is shot. Dealer will replace for about $800. Can't spend that, I can install myself but it sounds like I need to find Delphi box part #52113500AF. All the posts I have been reading are from year 2000. Any new info on this? Do I have to buy this box from dealer for $600 or is there somewhere else to get it? Truck is down - need help. THANKS FOR ANY ADVICE!!!

 

[rkressg]

Try NAPA

If that does not work, look for a low mileage truck in a salvage yard.

 

[Berrigan]

Look for a shop in your area that rebuilds them. They are hard to find and from what Im told its a very specialty type field. I had mine done on an old truck I had and it was alot cheaper than a new steering box. lol!

 

[daveshoe]

Shot or leaking?

I was reading some back issues the other day and one article described how to replace seals on steering boxes. Article said many leakers are replaced needlessly. If you think this could be the case, post back or message me and I will find the TDR issue that deals with this. Hope this helps.

 

[brisenhoover]

The pitman arm shaft has alot of side to side movement, it really wasn't leaking. I bit the bullet today and bought the new Delphi box. Paid a little over $500 for it and I just got home from installing it. I work in a dealership bodyshop. We were able to get one at a pretty good discount (more than I really needed to spend right now- work is slow) but that seemed to be what everyone was saying worked the best. Works great, I wasn't even nervous about getting pulled over on the way by the local police thinking I was drunk. THE TRUCK DROVE BAD BEFORE!!! Anyways, thanks again for the responses, this has got to be the most useful tool to have for the truck. This website is better than my service manual. The members are great!!!!!

 

[Extreme1]

Rebuild units are available at AutoZone for $129. I installed one a year and a half ago and it improved my truck's handling big time.



AGR also makes a replacement for arund $350 or so.

 

[jman]

What are some of the symptoms of steering boxes going bad? My steering wheel sits at about the 10 o'clock postion and when turning really short it seems to bind and let go when the wheels are about half pegged. It was wandering pretty bad so I replaced the track bar and it helped some, but not totally.



What kind of job is changing it. It doesn't look fun at all, but is it possible by someone with a little mechanical inclination.



Thanks

 

[dhauser]

The stealer told me my box was bad too after I had ball joints installed. The truck OVER STEERED, took it back and told him to re-adj the box not so tight. Now I have only a little play, I will check my steering shaft and go to a Borgeson unit before I change the box. I can't imagine it is worn out in only 81,000 mi. For general info, Discount Auto Parts (Indian Harbour Beach FL) has rebuilt Steering boxes for $130. 00 lifetime guarrantee ! There are options other than big bucks new units. Happy Rammin, Dave

 

[rkressg]

Originally posted by jman

What are some of the symptoms of steering boxes going bad? My steering wheel sits at about the 10 o'clock postion and when turning really short it seems to bind and let go when the wheels are about half pegged. It was wandering pretty bad so I replaced the track bar and it helped some, but not totally.



What kind of job is changing it. It doesn't look fun at all, but is it possible by someone with a little mechanical inclination.



Thanks

Wondering steering, it looks like you are drunk while driving. The box will bind and make weard noises. It could be leaking (usually the top or side seal). The steering generally sucks worse than normal. This is complicated by worn tie-rods, drag-link, pitman-arm, track bar, steering stablizer(s), or any other worn front end / suspension / tire issue.

To get the box out, remove the power steering lines (they are on top, use a flare wrench). loosten the bolt from the steering linkage from the steering wheel. Get a Snap-On pitman-arm puller (The cheep ones will break with our truck) and remove the pitman-arm. remove the three long bolts that hold the box onto the truck thought the frame. It should fall right out (it did on my chest :-{} , be careful it is heavier than it looks). With the right tools, it should not take more than 20 min. to remove.



Note- when removing pitman-arm, if not using an impact gun to tighten up the puller, tighten the puller as much as you can with the biggest wrench you can and start hitting around the puller with a BFH . They are very tight and will require much #@$%!



Have fun, it is easier than it looks.

-Rich