Skoolie 89
Registered User
I have a 1989 Ford E350 Skoolie ( Thomas School bus its the shorty ) The gear box is a D9AC-AA very common gear box. It mounts to the frame with 3 bolts that slide through the frame. There is no adjustment at this point to raise the gear box closer ( the spline ) and yes I know there is a flat spot on the spline with only enters the rag joint one way.
That is not my problem. I was not paying attention when I disconnected the gear box from the truck and once I removed that 12 point bolt from the rag joint the gear box just fell out ( because I had already removed the pitman arm from the center link, the 3 bolts and the power steering hoses ) I am changing out the entire tie rods too.
When I went to reinstall the new gear box there is now a gap yup...1 1/2 inch difference between where the spline on the end of the gear box meets up to the rag joint coupling. I have tried pulling and pushing and even removed the steering wheel. The steering coupling is not a U JOINT type but it seems like something in the steering coupling or shaft has moved? I even tried connecting the steering gear box to the rag joint first and seeing if I could pull down on the entire assembly in order to line up to the frame bolts....no luck....it's still about 1 1/2 inch too short.
Has something moved? Is there a way to lower my steering wheel and disconnecting the shift linkage to regain this 1 1/2 inch difference back? I can attach photos later. I have searched everywhere and I can't seem to find any support for this problem. I know it's the right gear box part. I have even tried putting the old one back in and it still has the same problem.
Thanks guys for your support.
That is not my problem. I was not paying attention when I disconnected the gear box from the truck and once I removed that 12 point bolt from the rag joint the gear box just fell out ( because I had already removed the pitman arm from the center link, the 3 bolts and the power steering hoses ) I am changing out the entire tie rods too.
When I went to reinstall the new gear box there is now a gap yup...1 1/2 inch difference between where the spline on the end of the gear box meets up to the rag joint coupling. I have tried pulling and pushing and even removed the steering wheel. The steering coupling is not a U JOINT type but it seems like something in the steering coupling or shaft has moved? I even tried connecting the steering gear box to the rag joint first and seeing if I could pull down on the entire assembly in order to line up to the frame bolts....no luck....it's still about 1 1/2 inch too short.
Has something moved? Is there a way to lower my steering wheel and disconnecting the shift linkage to regain this 1 1/2 inch difference back? I can attach photos later. I have searched everywhere and I can't seem to find any support for this problem. I know it's the right gear box part. I have even tried putting the old one back in and it still has the same problem.
Thanks guys for your support.