When repairing the massive fluid leak from the steering gear-box that pours fluid out from the steering-shaft input, is it necessary to remove the plug and replace that O-ring; or, does it cure the leak to simply replace the shaft seal, without removing the big lock-nut and plug ??

Which is the preferred method, on the truck, or remove the box and take it to the bench ??

What is the success rate for stopping that leak ??


I have three Dodge trucks sitting here, every one leaks at that point.



Thanks.

 

I would like some input on it also because mine just started dripping about 2 weeks ago. Going to try some Lucas Steering stop leak and see.

 

I pulled the wheel from the truck, to give me more working room, and decided to pull the plug with the box still on the truck.


After several attempts at turning the lock-ring with a blunt chisel, I managed to get it to un-screw by using a huge pair of channel-locks; as a side note, the spanner that fits the wheel-bearing nuts it WAY too small.


When I got the plug assembly onto the bench, what I found was nothing like what it shows in the stickey, nor were any of the seals, etc., in the supposed-to-fit kit that I had, gonna work.


Instead of a dust-shield and single seal, there are TWO much larger seals, stacked one atop the other, and no dust-shield.


In anticipation of this job, I had ordered in four seal-kits from RockAuto, Gates brand, #351320/8525.

The seal that comes with this kit simply falls into the bore with 1/4" to spare.

The snap-ring is also much smaller.

The O-ring looks like it may fit, maybe.


I checked Advance and a few other sites and they all call for this kit for 89-93 3/4-ton Dodge Diesel trucks.


I took the plug and old seals to the local good old-timey parts store and they came up with :

National Federal Mogul #471267 It requires TWO of these.
0.875 x 1.375 x 0.250


Do I have an odd steering-gear plug; or, do I have four seal-kits that are suddenly worthless ??

Thanks.