steering box swaps

[1tonson]

1983 k-30 dually. iv'e been working on a vibration, replaced the pitman-to-steering arm tie rods. but think its in the steering box? does anyone have a interchange with maybe a quicker ratio steering box swap. the rag joint seems pretty bad, but dont know how to diagnose the pitman arm. any help?thanks

[zieg85]

Vibrations could be caused by bad wheel bearings.  I have had them feel good but when I inspected them they were pitted.  My $.02

[Captkaos]

There isn't a quicker/faster box for these trucks.  They are 81-87(91) only.
Vibrations shouldn't be coming from the steering box even if it was loose.  Check the frame to see if it is cracked and as zieg said check the wheel bearings.  Is it a constant vibration, or does it change with speed?

[1tonson]

It does change with speed. jacked it up the wheels turned smooth with no roughness or wobble that i could tell. but seems like alot of play in the box, the frame is pretty clean(no cracked frame that i can see). the rag joint is not too good, though. any thoughts? P.S. can a box be swapped from a newer truck?

[VileZambonie]

Do a drypark check of each component by having an assistant rock the steering back and fourth with the wheels on the ground.

[1tonson]

done it... the only thing is either the rag joint or the steering gear. and alot of it seems like the "box".  what about symptoms of a 'BAD' pitman arm?

[zieg85]

A bad pitman arm you would see play where the center link mounts to it.  Pitted wheel bearings wouldn't neccesarily be noticed by how you checked them.  You really need to physically inspect them.  Been there done that.

[VileZambonie]

done it... the only thing is either the rag joint or the steering gear. and alot of it seems like the "box".  what about symptoms of a 'BAD' pitman arm?

Well which is it? Where do you see the play? If you see axial play in a ball stud & socket in any joint replace it. Lateral play -replace it. If you see the steering shaft rotate but not the worm gear on the box then replace the rag joint.

[1tonson]

I see the steering shaft and rag joint turn..more than half a revolution, before the pitman arm. I know its a truck but dang...