Steering box

[whipper.snapper]

Hey guys so I’m doing a frame off resto. Of my 1987 Chevy v10 and currently I am working on the steering box.

Before I took the steering box off of the frame I noticed it was leaking right there behind the rag joint. (See attached pics)

I am here to ask what would you guys suggest I do? Do I need to do a complete rebuild on it? Or should I just replace the seal/rag joint thing right where the leak seems to be.

Also I am having a hard time figuring out exactly which make and model of steering box I have. So if you guys have an idea of which one it is plz let me know.

If you know of the exact rebuild kit I need plz drop the part # of the kit.
     
    Thank you guys in advance!!!











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[berserk]

When my steering box started having issues I just went to O'Reilly's and bought a rebuilt unit. Is there any reason to keep this particular box? Rebuilding yourself would be way cheaper but do you have the knowledge to do that?

[whipper.snapper]

berserk, no I do not currently have the knowledge to rebuild this box myself. I have never rebuilt one. But very often I can find YouTube videos for help or someone on here can share some knowledge.

I didn’t want to buy a whole new or rebuilt unit if I can just replace some seals and O-rings and have it be good as new.


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[Shifty]

Do not wander into your local parts store blindly....there are no more American-made boxes!  Either rebuild yours, or if it's just leaking, replace that seal (Edelmann 8525, Omega 2779, Gates 351320).  If you have to replace, I recommend Redhead Gears...https://redheadsteeringgears.com/shop?year=1987&make=Chevrolet&model=V-10%20Pickup%20Truck%20(4WD). 

Don't let go of your original though, IMHO.

[whipper.snapper]

Thanks for your opinion shifty, I was kinda thinking that same way.

From my pictures you can tell that mine is an original American-Made box?

Have you ever replaced that seal yourself? If so, Do I need any special tools to remove and replace it?


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[Shifty]

Your box is an original, though it may or may have not been re-built in the past.  (we used to clean/re-spec/re-use cores, but now it's just cheaper to use chinesium castings).

I have changed that outermost seal, though it was a loooooooooooong time ago, IIRC, no  special tools, except maybe a seal pick....

[bd]

1987 Unit Repair Manual, section 3B3.  It's worthwhile to download the manual to your PC's hard drive.

[whipper.snapper]

Okay thanks guys, I’ve got the seal ordered and on the way. I reckon that will fix my issue.

Is it common for the Pittman arm shaft seal to leak? Should I go ahead and replace it while I’m at it?


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[Shifty]

The pitman shaft is the one I've done the most...I don't know if I'd mess with it if it's not leaking though.

[whipper.snapper]

10-4, thanks for the help.


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[JohnnyPopper]

When those pitman seals go- they go!

Changed one on my K10 in the truck.

There are actually two seals.

If you've got it on the bench it's easier than being in the truck, although I would say, it wasn't that bad.

[whipper.snapper]

I successfully changed the input shaft seal, gonna hold out on changing the Pittman arm, because it wasn’t leaking when I removed the box from the truck.


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