2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Sterring Box Replacement

[JMichelson]

I’m going to replace the steering box on my 98. I’ve looked in my Chilton book and it say’s to mark the relationship of the steering coupler to the steering gear input shaft before removing the pinch bolt. It say’s to mark the pitman arm also before removal.

What it doesn’t tell you is to mark it in relation to what. I’m replacing the steering box with a rebuilt one, so I can’t mark in relation to the old box. Can anybody enlighten me on how to do this so everything lines up properly. Thanks, Jeff

 

[kentdiesel]

I installed a new steering box on my 98 RAM about a month ago, nothing to it. The sector shaft coming out of the box has one wide spline that keeps you from installing the pitman arm in the wrong position. The input shaft has a flat that the pinch bolt goes across. Even if you were off it could not be more than one spline in either direction, I did not try it to see if it would go together more than on way. After everything was back together my steering wheel almost perfectly centered. I corrected it by turning the centering sleeve on the drag link a small amount. If your steering wheel is really off bad I would try rotating the steering shaft one spline before using the drag link sleeve.



I strongly suggest installing a Darrins Steering Box Support. (do a search, this is talked about frequently on the forum) I believe one of these would extend the life of your steering box.

Hope this helps, if you have question send me a PM.

Kent

 

[bmoeller]

Just so happens I have that page up http://www.solidsteel.ca/products.htm

 

[Badunit]

The pitman arm question has already been answered. On the steering wheel end of things I recommend the following:



1. Make sure the front wheels are straight before you take the box off (doesn't have to be perfect)



2. Don't let the steering wheel turn after you've taken the intermediate shaft off the box. Tie the wheel to something just to be sure. If it does turn, carefully and slowly turn it from lock to lock and halfway back to recenter it. Be careful, you don't want to twist off the clockspring.



3. Make sure the new box is centered before you put it on. You can turn the input shaft with pliers or vice grips (attached loosely) lock to lock and halfway back, just be careful not to screw up the splines. Also watch out for spewing oil.



4. Bleed the system when you've got it all hooked back up. Oil in the reservoir (not too much or it'll spew out), front tires off the ground, engine off, turn the steering wheel lock to lock about 30 times until the air is out.



Replacing the steering box is a 20 minute job in the driveway once you've done it a few times. Have fun.