Which steering gear box??

[CPittman]

I did the BD SBS too - quality item... I'm generally a big fan of the BD boys' parts. The BD has a cool "hammer-tone" finish that I really like.



Two points to remember:

1. Support the sway bar BEFORE you take the last bolt out or it will conk you on the head or knock out some teeth.
   
2. The sector shaft nut requires a 1-1/4" DEEP impact socket (about $25 at NAPA)
   

 

[ddivinia]

My next step is a steering shaft, followed by the updated steering linkage components. I have zero observable play in my linkage, but I think I have some in the steering shaft.



I also need to replace the shocks and the end links... pretty sure they are both worn out.

I am thinking about doing the steering shaft also if I am going to be under there working on stuff.



At least warranty paid for the steering box and drag link, etc. ,



After seeing pictures of that brace installation - that looks like a total "no brainer".





D.

 

[ddivinia]

I did the BD SBS too - quality item... I'm generally a big fan of the BD boys' parts. The BD has a cool "hammer-tone" finish that I really like.



Two points to remember:

1. Support the sway bar BEFORE you take the last bolt out or it will conk you on the head or knock out some teeth.
   
2. The sector shaft nut requires a 1-1/4" DEEP impact socket (about $25 at NAPA)
   

That replacement nut sure looks long. Do you need a deeper socket for it or is it the same depth and size for the standard nut also?



Thanks,

D.

 

[steved]

Standard nut can be removed/installed with a standard socket... I used a open-end wrench on mine, just snugged it up... the brace captures it anyway, and its never come loose.

 

[CPittman]

Yes, a standard-depth socket will remove the stock nut on the sector shaft but the new nut doubles as an extension of the sector shaft and WILL require a deep socket.



I guess you could just snug it up but after chasing a wandering front end for so long I dragged out my impact wrench and showered down on it. For me, it's the little things (like having the right tools) that make a PITA project more fun.

 

[DPalmquist]

Don't know if the Red Head Steering Gear box has a bearing instead of a bushing to support the sector shaft - Call Harvey (the owner) at Red Head and ask him about it. Red-Head Steering Gears, Seattle WA - Red-Head Steering Gears Home

I just put my new Red Head box in this last weekend. I've been chasing a wandering front end for a year... all new tie rod ends, new uppers / lowers, new hub assemblies and u-joints. I even added the BD SBS to stabilize the steering box and it didn't do the trick on an old sacked-out box.



The new Red Head with the SBS is a sweet combo for sure - I'm really happy with the truck's steering now.



OBTW, wrt the poster having problems with the hydraulic lines: remove the suction (larger) line from the steering gear AND remove the high pressure line up near the firewall (watch the relationship of the hard line to the box so you don't have to pull it two more times to get it right - don't ask me how I know... ), install the HP line on the box body and fish it back up top. Pin the box with one of the bolts and re-connect. This way you don't have to remove the wheel liner.



Kudos to Harvey at RHSG - very helpful and very encouraging - the world needs more Harvey's IMHO. Thanks for your advice Harvey!



I also used the Snap-On CJ119B puller - It was like taking a gun to a knife fight. I put some pressure on it, hit the side of the pitman arm with a 5 lb shop hammer, gave it some more torque - went to get another beer and when I got back under the truck - it was off - suh-weet!

After putting on my rebuilt RedHead Steering Box Truck steers better than new, after about 500 miles it loosened up a bit and steers excellent, thank you Harvey.

 

[CPittman]

OBTW, Steved - the turnbuckle on the steering linkage just off of the pitman arm centers your steering wheel.



Turning the turnbuckle so that the top of it rotates toward the front of the truck will make your steering wheel align clockwise (and vice versa... )



I just used a regular pipe wrench to turn it.