First things first lil background. Had the truck come into the shop with little to no steering. After looking at it I saw the whole steering box was pivoting away from the frame when steering was applied. (busted bracket to the frame) To my surprise it was still avalible and only 18 bucks so heres a quick and dirty on getting the box off of the truck.

First thing is looking what im dealing with and what I have to clean. Truck only has 80k on it



One of the 3 bolts that hold the bracket to the frame, but this bolt in particular is pressed in so the nut has to be removed from the back and hammered out.



Cleaned up now I can see the fittins and nuts and bolts Im dealing with. Lines are 18mm Drag link I used 1 1/16" wrench for the castle nut. Took a fire wrench since the lines were froze to the nuts and a air hammer with a fork attachment for the drag link. A hammer and punch is also used to remove the drift pin for the steering shaft.



Everything disconnected



Removed and now you can see the 3 bolt holes and locations that need to be removed



While your there check the steering joint, this ones toast!



The real issue NEW vs. OLD



Like I said the truck only has 80k but shes been run hard and has the dents to prove it. I'd love to save the truck but the guy who owns it thinks its worth 10 k.... Maybe to him but not me

 

had the same problem with the steering bracket. seems to be a common problem there is a reinforcement plate available for 40$ i can see my self purchasing one in the near future

 

The best directions for getting the steering box off are "air hammer". The only way to get a pitman arm off the splined shaft... And I also ended up needing it to separate all my steering joints and the steering column linkage as well.

After doing the job three times over a weekend because the remans kept being bad out of the box I got quite good at it.

 

Good God man, that's the nastiest looking box I've seen in a long time! 10k? Tell him he's dreaming.

 

This seems to be a common problem. I spent almost $50 just to replace my rugged ridge steering box mount. I don't wanna drive my car anymore if it will get busted again.

 

i would change that joint to a u joint style too.

 

Went with the factory setup. Guy didn't wanna spend the money