Rebuilding a steering box

[Matthew Jeschke]

I'm STILL adjusting lash on my steering box. Slowly but surely. It's a hobby truck. I go out once a week in mountains exploring. Each time I tighten the set screw a 1/8th turn. It's getting better! I should have never loosened it all the way. I may also have a loose pitman arm.

 

[exp500]

Matthew- There is a tray of sorts connected to the Adjustment bolt. This guides the recirculating balls. I adjust them 1/8 turn at a time like you, but with eng running. Then I can hear if it goes "on Pressure" while tightening. Still have to test for balls binding though. Good luck These boxes are tough for what they do.

 

[George B]

I also made small adjustments at a time until the steering was better. The challenge is to stop when it’s “good enough” before it’s “too far”.

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

Latest loot from junkyard. Looking forward to rebuilding this bad boy

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

I need to order a rebuild kit. Not exactly sure where to get a good one for the steering gearbox.

Next I want to order a new power steering pump... might as well, I have 250,000 miles but I see there are multiple different pumps. Not sure if I have; hydroboost?

 

[Fless]

Post a pic of your master cylinder

 

[Matthew Jeschke]

I watched a handful of rebuild videos on Youtube for saginaw steering boxes. Only one found on a Z71 (will update post above with notes to include that).

I ordered this rebuild kit here after combing over RockAuto

More Information for GATES 348526

Also ordered a new pitman arm and idler arm. I think mine may have some play in them as I get a ever so slight wiggle when pulling on steering bar.

More Information for MOOG K6536HD

More Information for MOOG K6534

Was sorted about Moog or Mevotech. I bought Moog ball joints for control arms and the boots fell apart. The moog arms were a few more dollars than Mevotech. However, I ordered the moog.

@Fless Pictures of master cylinder... Is that a hyrdroboost? Curious is it something would be good to upgrade to if not?

 

[Fless]

That's not hydroboost, it's a vacuum booster. There are some Youtubes on converting to Hydroboost, and doing that would take a different power steering pump along with the other hydroboost parts.

 

[MassHoe04]

With higher pressure, anyone converting to Hydroboost might want to plan on replacing old brake lines and add stainless braided hoses...

This article says pressure can be nearly double with Hydroboost.

"Hydroboost systems are also capable of delivering significantly greater pressure through a braking system than a vacuum boost. In some cases, you can more than double the pounds of pressure being distributed to your brakes simply by opting for hydroboost."

Some lines and hoses might already be on the edge of being able to contain regular pressure from the vacuum boost system, let alone double the pressure. Fluid could blow out big time, if added to a fragile distribution system.

Full article for fun reading...

Hydroboost Brakes: Why Your 4x4 Truck Project Deserves A Stopping Power Upgrade

Hydroboost provides an across-the-board upgrade that will have you wondering why you lived so long in the world of traditional vacuum-boosted designs.

www.drivingline.com

 

[Tonyrodz]

With higher pressure, anyone converting to Hydroboost might want to plan on replacing old brake lines and add stainless braided hoses...

This article says pressure can be nearly double with Hydroboost.

"Hydroboost systems are also capable of delivering significantly greater pressure through a braking system than a vacuum boost. In some cases, you can more than double the pounds of pressure being distributed to your brakes simply by opting for hydroboost."

Some lines and hoses might already be on the edge of being able to contain regular pressure from the vacuum boost system, let alone double the pressure. Fluid could blow out big time, if added to a fragile distribution system.

Full article for fun reading...

Hydroboost Brakes: Why Your 4x4 Truck Project Deserves A Stopping Power Upgrade

Hydroboost provides an across-the-board upgrade that will have you wondering why you lived so long in the world of traditional vacuum-boosted designs.

www.drivingline.com

I have hydroboost in my Express van and love it. Van stops great, and it's very heavy.