Got a new steering box for my 91.5 4x4 on its way. Never put one in before, but sure I can do it. Anyone have a copy of the procedure (just to be prepared) from a FSM or other source that they could e-mail me or post. I would be very thankful, but hopefully I dont run into any problems. E-mail is
svsjak@hotmail.com
Thanks in advance, Jeff

 

am I the only one to ever replace a steering box who wasnt sure on howto do it??

 

Possibly.

Unbolt old one, bolt in new one. If you are keeping the pitman arm you will need a puller. Bleed the system before driving by getting the front wheels off the ground and turning the steering wheel slowly lock to lock several times while the engine idles.

 

Thanks Dave, I thought that was all there was to it, just wasnt sure about the send and return lines and fittings goin to the box, thats why I asked for help from a FSM, just to be sure... I cant have my baby broken, ya'll know that feeling. Thanks for the info, wish me luck.

 

One of the bolts is "body bound" to the reinforcing plate. It acts as a dowel. Inspect the frame real good for cracks before you bolt in the new box.
Also it is a real good idea to remove whatever paint there is from the output shaft before you install the pitman arm. I didn't and I had to go back and retorque the nut after a few thousand miles.

 

I passed over this thread several times; then my curiousity just got to be too much, so I "clicked" on it to see just what a "steeringbow" was.

 

Have a good look at the mounting plate for cracks too. It's rare to see one without a crack, and new ones are getting scarce. Cross your fingers.

 

doesnt seem to be any cracks in the area, though I know that its common. Any sense in reinforcing this before it breaks? Guess there is no procedure for how to do it in the manuel

 

sorry for the typo BEARKILLER, but I have a shattered hand frrom a work accident. So now is good time to do truck repairs, with 1 hand!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Study the bracket closely while still on the truck and decide how best to go about it.

As common as it is for them to break, I would for sure reinforce it, or just fabricate a much stronger one.

Just a few days ago, I gave the Dodge part-number for the bracket to one of the locals who had two trucks with broken brackets; he got them with no problem at the nearest Dodge dealership; of course, they could have been the last two on earth.

 

Part number of the steering box mounting plate is: 5203 7876. Mopar still has several thousand of these in stock -- rumors of a shortage are unfounded. The list price is $17.30; if your Dodge dealer likes you then your price is $13.84.

And, although I have no experience with it, some folks recommend this device:
http://www.dodgeconnection.com/catal...66/4541374.htm

 

Thanks for all the info guys. Its guna be a week or so till I get at 'er since I only got 1 working hand right now.

 

Hmmm... I'm gonna do my steering box soon too. Is there NOT supposed to be a bracket? Or is mine already been stiffened in the past?

 

I just finished the install of the dodgeconnection bracket and I have to say, that is an excellent remanufactured piece. All bolt holes align, and is made of what I believe is either 12 or 10 gage material. Took me abround 2 hours, but then again, I always take my time w/ my truck. Good investment and good insurance for the price. Slightly aided in stiffening up my steering from wobble.

 

I'm a little confused .

Is that Dodgeconnection bracket a complete replacement for the factory bracket; or, is it meant as a reinforcement/supplement for the stock bracket ??

Thanks.