Replacement

[Smitch320]

I've done some research and am wanting to replace my steering box on my 86 K10.

I've read the stickies and can get the parts and everything but was really just wondering how the job was?

Is it something a remotely mechanical person can do or should I leave it up to a professional?

Thanks as always.

 

[Georgeb]

I've done some research and am wanting to replace my steering box on my 86 K10.

I've read the stickies and can get the parts and everything but was really just wondering how the job was?

Is it something a remotely mechanical person can do or should I leave it up to a professional?

Thanks as always.

It's not too bad. You will need a joint separating fork and a pitman arm puller but you could rent them if you don't want to buy them. Go for it.

 

[Smitch320]

Another kicker...I don't have a shop just a driveway lol...

 

[firebane]

Another kicker...I don't have a shop just a driveway lol...

I've done all the suspension work and engine work on my truck outside in the weather.

 

[Smitch320]

I've done all the suspension work and engine work on my truck outside in the weather.

Good I am not the only one! Besides my friend helping me swap motors in their shop I have done most stuff in the driveway. Even mounting my winch bumper and winch with it sitting on a stack of treated 4x4 lumber haha.

 

[firebane]

Good I am not the only one! Besides my friend helping me swap motors in their shop I have done most stuff in the driveway. Even mounting my winch bumper and winch with it sitting on a stack of treated 4x4 lumber haha.

I was putting the intake and cam in my truck when it was -5 Celsius and just enough such to melt some snow. Yup I'm crazy.

 

[Smitch320]

fixing to order the parts. Any other tips and tricks? Thanks

 

[thz71]

It's a pretty straight forward job. Biggest pain is getting the pitman arm off. Here in the rust belt at least.

 

[Smitch320]

It's a pretty straight forward job. Biggest pain is getting the pitman arm off. Here in the rust belt at least.

I'm down south, should be easy enough.

Thanks again guys

 

[Smitch320]

Ok I have taken the gear box off the truck. Is there any specific tricks or anything that is required for the reinstallation? Any adjusting or anything?

 

[CSFJ]

You need to make sure your steering wheel and the box are both in the middle of their travel. Your tires should be straight forward as well.

 

[Georgeb]

There shouldn't be. May take a bit to purge the air from the system but turnng the steering lock to lock a few times and refilling the fluid should do it.

 

[Smitch320]

You need to make sure your steering wheel and the box are both in the middle of their travel. Your tires should be straight forward as well.

I can determine that the wheel are in box are in the correct line of travel by counting the turns left and right, or is that wrong?

 

[Georgeb]

I can't remember but isn't there a blind spline on the input shaft of the gear? In any event counting turns should get you really close.

 

[CSFJ]

I can determine that the wheel are in box are in the correct line of travel by counting the turns left and right, or is that wrong?

That is correct.