mexicanjoe
Full Access Member
Ok guys, its time to replace the steering box on LuLuBelle my '89 F-250. Amy special tools I might need, any special instructions? Any tips? TIA
steering gear job!
- Thread starter mexicanjoe
- Start date
Pitman arm puller for sure.
Pretty sure this is the one I had to buy in 2017 for my 87 F250. It also worked on my 85 E350.
It's cheaper online if you can wait a week.
I used a harbor freight electric impact with it.
Pretty sure this is the one I had to buy in 2017 for my 87 F250. It also worked on my 85 E350.
It's cheaper online if you can wait a week.
I used a harbor freight electric impact with it.
WrenchWhore
Full Access Member
I'm curious what steering gear you go with. I'm looking into doing a replacement in the future as all of my steering components are very worn but the steering box is the worst.
For what it's worth, the one I got from AutoZone in 2021 was as good as the old that simply blew out it's seals from age/stop leak use. No noticable slop in the new box vs the old that wasn't worn out, just very badly leaking.
I've had good luck with my NAPA steering gear for the last 40-50k miles. The bolts holding the steering gear to the frame want some blue or orange thread-locker. This is also a good time to flush the system so maybe some extra plastic hose and a barbed fitting to tap into the return line. Maybe a Magnefine filter?
IDIBRONCO
IDIBRONCO
I've had good, luck with parts store boxes so far. Blue Top is supposed to be as good as Red Head or a little better. They were a little bit cheaper the last time I looked. Either one of those are better quality than parts store boxes. You do have to pay for that though.
Yep, I put one on the RV when I replaced the power steering pump. Saginaw has a bare hose end for return at the pump, so it was very simple.
The new pump called for it for warranty. I honestly wasn't worried about warranty on it, being a dirt cheap Amazon warehouse return bare Saginaw pump without the housing, but figured it was still a good idea.
And nope I never had a problem with the pump. Might not have even needed to replace it, because I was really just replacing the leaking huge O-ring, but at that point you might as well put in a new pump too.
WrenchWhore
Full Access Member
My luck with part store boxes has been mixed. Bought one for my Jeep and had to snug up the play right after install. It was worse than the factory box I was replacing but was good after that. I had an old IDI box rebuilt twice at a rebuilder which they didn't do right either time. Ended up with a driveway looking like a murder scene of spilt ATF. Redhead was recommended but then I saw/heard reviews of boxes not being any better than what was replaced. Blue top is the new company I've heard/seen better reviews. Better be ready to install that Box the moment you get it because there core return is definitely picky. This is from Blue Tops website: (175$ core charge for us)
-All cores returned after 30 days will be credited at 50% of the original core charge. Cores returned after 180 days will receive no credit.
-Damaged cores will be credited at a lower percentage. Broken, twisted, or otherwise damaged output or input shafts will result in 50% core credit.
-New returns will be subject to a $50 restocking fee if package is opened. No shipping costs will be refunded and customer is responsible for return shipping.
-We do NOT provide return shipping for your core. We do offer for purchase UPS return shipping labels on the majority of our products that have a core charge.
***Cores that are not OE (original equipment) or not the exact same gearbox you purchased will be credited at 25%; for example: $200 core charge = $50 credit. Please pay close attention to your gearbox and the one we sent to you, if they do not look exactly the same then your core is most likely aftermarket.
mexicanjoe
Full Access Member
As soon as my $$$ from my second job comes in Ill run out and see what's available. The thing is just leaking like nobody's business. AND it seems to be so much stiffer to turn the steering wheel. probably throw a new P/S pump too. I guess that what I get for letting it sit for 6 months while trying to replace the clutch.........AHHHH the joys of owing an IDI , but I wouldn't trade LuLuBelle for a new one.
O'Reilly and AutoZone are good sources because of free shipping and frequent 20% off promo codes for ship to home orders.
You can return the cores in store, no return shipping costs.
And you still get the lifetime warranty for replacement via in-store exchange replacements.
Well BlueTop sounds like a business I will definitely be avoiding.
