Steering Gear Box

[jgasca]

Ok so i had quite of a bit of play in the steering and I couldn't tighten the gear box anymore or the steering would get stuck. I was told that I needed a new steering gear box.

I went to the salvage yard and bought one for $45

I just took mine off and the shafts dont match. Should I just scrap it and buy a new one or is there any way to save this one?

I tried opening mine up to hopefully remove the shaft and swap them but I had no luck

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This is the one I got from the salvage yard

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Any thoughts?

 

[RetroC10Sport]

Looks like you just need an older pitman arm.

Or is that from a 2WD?

 

[jgasca]

Looks like you just need an older pitman arm.

Or is that from a 2WD?

it might of been from a 2WD, and I do have the arm that i think your talking about but I dont think it will work

 

[RetroC10Sport]

2WD will NOT work in a stock 4WD.

BLAZER/JIMMY (full size) 80-82 Power Steering; 4x4

BLAZER/JIMMY (full size) 83-91 Power Steering

CHEVROLET 10 PICKUP 80-87 Power Steering; 4x4

CHEVROLET 20 PICKUP 80-88 Power Steering; 4x4

CHEVROLET 2500 PICKUP 89 Power Steering; VIN models "R/V", 4x4

CHEVROLET 30 PICKUP 80-88 Power Steering; 4x4

CHEVROLET 3500 PICKUP 89-91 Power Steering; VIN models "R/V", 4x4

GMC 1500 PICKUP 80-87 Power Steering; 4x4

GMC 2500 PICKUP 80-87 Power Steering; 4x4

GMC 2500 PICKUP 88-89 Power Steering; VIN models "R/V", 4x4

GMC 3500 PICKUP 80-87 Power Steering; 4x4

GMC 3500 PICKUP 88-91 Power Steering; VIN models "R/V", 4x4

SUBURBAN 10 80-88 Power Steering; 4x4

SUBURBAN 1500 80-91 Power Steering; 4x4

SUBURBAN 20 80-88 Power Steering; 4x4

SUBURBAN 2500 80-91 Power Steering; 4x4

Dodge will also work...

DODGE 100 PICKUP 80-89 Power Steering

DODGE 150 PICKUP 80-93 Power Steering

DODGE 200 PICKUP 80 Power Steering

DODGE 250 PICKUP 81-93 Power Steering

DODGE 300 PICKUP 80 Power Steering

DODGE 350 PICKUP 81-93 Power Steering

DODGE 400 PICKUP 80 Power Steering

DODGE 450 PICKUP 81 Power Steering

RAMCHARGER 80-93 Power Steering

TRAIL DUSTER 80-81 Power Steering

But the ratio is different.

 

[crazy4offroad]

Bottom steering box is indeed from a 2WD. And, sorry to say, you cant use it.

 

[jgasca]

2WD will NOT work in a stock 4WD.

Here is the comparison

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[HotRodPC]

Nope, Nope, Nope. Will the salvage yard take that 2wd drive unit back? I'd hate to see someone wasted $45. ORRR, just hold onto the 2wd box for a crossover steering conversion someday if a big lift kit is in the future plans cuz the only time you need a 2wd streering box on a 4x4 is if you're doing crossover steering.

 

[RetroC10Sport]

Yep. 2WD. That list above is what will fit.

(I wonder if the Dodge ratios is faster or slower, myself...)

 

[HotRodPC]

Yep. 2WD. That list above is what will fit.

(I wonder if the Dodge ratios is faster or slower, myself...)

Oh hell, Dodge parts interchange with GM on 4x4 steering boxes??? Fuggin Bastards copied us again.

 

[RetroC10Sport]

THey're both Saginaw made. Even many Fords came with Saginaw boxes.

 

[HotRodPC]

THey're both Saginaw made. Even many Fords came with Saginaw boxes.

Yeah, well, I bet the Dodge boxes are slower. Dodge is slow at everything !!!

 

[jgasca]

I just bought one from a local auto parts store, at least this one comes with a warranty.

I notice there is less play but still more than I'd like. Whats the proper way to tighten the screw on the gear box to minimize the play? or should i even tighten it?

 

[HotRodPC]

I just bought one from a local auto parts store, at least this one comes with a warranty.

I notice there is less play but still more than I'd like. Whats the proper way to tighten the screw on the gear box to minimize the play? or should i even tighten it?

Oh I hate to ask how much that set you back. Nooooo, I think I'd leave that alone. It should be preset from whoever made it or rebuilt it. I damn sure wouldn't do a thing til it's mounted in the truck and you get to see what it's like. Keep in mind, if you have some slop, it may not and most likely isn't isn't in the steering gear box anyway. Sounds like you might need a front end inspection if you're not certain.

 

[crazy4offroad]

Since you have a new steering box I would be looking at other front end parts causing the play. Tie rod ends and drag link ends primarily but also check ball joints and wheel bearings.

 

[jgasca]

Since you have a new steering box I would be looking at other front end parts causing the play. Tie rod ends and drag link ends primarily but also check ball joints and wheel bearings.

all ball joints have been replaced, I was told when I got my truck aligned that everything looked fine...

And I already installed the new gear box and test drove it. Like I said, its much better but I wish it was more responsive when i turn the steering.