steering box safety (wear and adjustment)

[K15 Blazer]

so this weekend I installed a new steering gear, because I had to...

I had recently did the popular adjustment with the hex-wrench and lock nut to improve the handling. and boy, did it! solid as a rock....
then, proceeded to beat the crap out of it on a rough and rocky road until I had undone my improvements.

at the alignment shop they confirmed that the box was now toast (it is 20 years old after all) the new one is an amazing night and day difference and was easy to replace. it was a repair im really happy I did.

so this post is kind of a reminder that the steering gear takes a LOT of abuse... so, stay safe, save tire wear, make sure its functioning well!



I wonder if a steering stabilizer shock would help prolong the life of the gearbox by absorbing those bigger hits... otherwise that shock goes straight through the linkage to the gear..... thoughts on that?...

 

[IOWNJUNK]

Stabilizer extends life of most everything steering related, from your arms to the tires and everything in between.

How long did job take, beginning to end? Any hiccups?

 

[K15 Blazer]

looks like that's my next purchase then... you either learn from your mistakes, or you modify to improve ;D LOL

it took me a few hours because I had to rent a different puller tool for the beefy steering arm where it connects to the center-link... and I forgot new power steering fluid...
but yeah, other than it weighing a ton, its easy to replace.

 

[dagen_1]

i've got to replace mine on the 94.. i've bought all new steering parts minus the steering gear.. that's next. then i'll get a ton of slop out of mine hopefully.

 

[IOWNJUNK]

Mine will get replaced soon, thats why i asked. Mine sticks, just right of center, but not all the time. Figured it was pwr steering pump, but I might as well change gearbox too and get rid of the play.

 

[K15 Blazer]

Mine sticks, just right of centerQUOTE]


that's what mine was doing... its roasted, dude. change it sooner than later for safety sake.

 

[IOWNJUNK]

Hmmm...... Never had a truck do it before, and I've owned some junk. Pump chatters a little too. Its all on the list.

 

[IOWNJUNK]

Best part is previous owner still pays for all repairs I make. The perks of getting a truck from the wifey!!!!