The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Steering gear box

Have checked all the items on suspension, tightened up the tie rod ends, even found some loose spring shackles. Trying to get the steering tightened up. Got old timer to align to specs Jerry gave me. He's helping me said it seems like it must be the steering gearbox. I can get one rebuilt, the only question I have is how hard is it to get the old one out? Seems like there's not enough room to pull out the steering arm straight down. Is this doable for a shade tree mechanic? Is there any tricks?

Forgot to add this is on a 53 chevy, 3/4 ton pickup

I haven't removed the steering gear with the truck completely assembled, but I think it can be done. You may have to have the truck up on a lift to get enough room to thread it thru in front of the front axle. The pitman arm can be removed with a puller, then the steering wheel removed, and the clamp at the dash, then the 4 bolts holding it to the frame (one screws into the gear from the bottom.) It may be possible to rebuild it in place, removing the side plate and bottom plate and dropping the shaft out the bottom, but not real sure about that. I'm sure someone will be along to say for sure if it can be done. The rebuild isn't that complicated if you follow along with the instructions in the service manual.

But can you get parts for the rebuild? I could only find the rebuilt ones that were already done

Most only need cleanup and adjustment. HERE is a rebuild kit. If it happens to have the original felt sector shaft seal that should be replaced by a newer style lip seal (SKF 11055) that was used on later trucks.

The engagement of the sector shaft with the ball nut is adjustable, and may actually be all that's needed. Check the service manual for the adjustment procedure. It can be done with the steering gear in the truck. It just takes removal of the pitman arm or disconnection from the drag link, and the use of a fish scale on the rim of the steering wheel as it's turning.

I pulled my '37 gear box out from the bottom, the truck will need to be up on stands in the front. You should be able to wiggle it out, you might have to loosen the exhaust pipe. If it's original and never been out, its a good time to pull it and give it a good cleaning and adjustment. No need to replace it yet. Follow this manual, all the procedures are the same, https://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/booklets/52mts20/index.htm. Keep this link, theres all the information you will ever need, https://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com