2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering gear problems!

[KenHokie]

Has any one had this problem and figured out a fix for it? The bolts on the top, the service manual calls it the side, of my steering gear box keep working loose. I found them loose a few weeks ago when I noticed something dripping from the front of the truck. The manual says to torque them to 44 ft-lbs. The problem is that I can barely get an open end wrench on to them let alone my torque wrench so I don't think that I am tightening them enough. Any advise would be appreciated. Also, the gasket is probably shot from being loose for 50K miles and the only way I can see to replace it is to remove the steering gear.

 

[Briar Hopper]

That happened to me also. A good friend replaced the whole unit for me while I was on a business trip, had I caught the leak in time, it would not have needed replacing. I'd suggest removing it, cleaning it, and using blue loctite on the bolts, when you install the gasket.