steering box - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

orionwy2002 · 01-07-2003, 07:32 PM

My steering box leaks fluid out around the shaft for the steering column and when i steer it acts like its low on fluid. Are hese problems related and can it be repaired easily? Or should i just swap in a a new(junkyard) box? I have a 4" lift and 35x14.50x16.5 on the beast.

all info is appreciated!

79 scottsdale
4" lift, 14bolt,dana 44, 350/th350/205

*1FaastC10* · 01-08-2003, 03:16 PM

convert it to crossover steering, and install a new 2wd box. doing so will also eliminate the stress on the frame where the existing box attaches.

TX_Mudder · 01-08-2003, 06:27 PM

It is my understanding that crossover steering does not decrease the stress on the frame.

Converting to crossover on your Dana 44 is more difficult that it is on my Dana 60 because you have to remove your knuckles and have them machined. Even then, you must have the flat top knuckles to start with, which you probably don't (my old 76 Dana 44 did not have them.)

A rebuilt box is about $170 from Autozone

Somewhere they must sell a rebuild kit. I have heard it is pretty easy to rebuild them, but I have not done it.
-- Mike

orionwy2002 · 01-08-2003, 07:29 PM

tx mudder
u r right
i don't have the flat knuckle and i here they are kind of hard to come by for a dana44. i don't really need crossover steering with only 4" of lift so i can't justify the cost.

BUT the box wasn't the problem!
i had an extra box and swapped them out but that didn't solve my problem of lack of steering. oh well, it gave me an excuse to weld in a plate to strengthen the frame so it won't crack.

thanks for the info

-orion-
79 K10 Scottsdale

Prerunner1982 · 01-10-2003, 02:51 PM

2wd boxes WILL break the frame as well.... mine broke not long ago...

01-07-2003, 07:32 PM	#1
orionwy2002 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: St.Louis Mo Posts: 43	steering box help My steering box leaks fluid out around the shaft for the steering column and when i steer it acts like its low on fluid. Are hese problems related and can it be repaired easily? Or should i just swap in a a new(junkyard) box? I have a 4" lift and 35x14.50x16.5 on the beast. all info is appreciated! 79 scottsdale 4" lift, 14bolt,dana 44, 350/th350/205 Last edited by orionwy2002; 01-07-2003 at 07:42 PM.

01-08-2003, 06:27 PM	#3
TX_Mudder Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 126	It is my understanding that crossover steering does not decrease the stress on the frame. Converting to crossover on your Dana 44 is more difficult that it is on my Dana 60 because you have to remove your knuckles and have them machined. Even then, you must have the flat top knuckles to start with, which you probably don't (my old 76 Dana 44 did not have them.) A rebuilt box is about $170 from Autozone Somewhere they must sell a rebuild kit. I have heard it is pretty easy to rebuild them, but I have not done it. -- Mike __________________ http://home.houston.rr.com/chevy73/

01-08-2003, 07:29 PM	#4
orionwy2002 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: St.Louis Mo Posts: 43	not the steering box tx mudder u r right i don't have the flat knuckle and i here they are kind of hard to come by for a dana44. i don't really need crossover steering with only 4" of lift so i can't justify the cost. BUT the box wasn't the problem! i had an extra box and swapped them out but that didn't solve my problem of lack of steering. oh well, it gave me an excuse to weld in a plate to strengthen the frame so it won't crack. thanks for the info -orion- 79 K10 Scottsdale

01-10-2003, 02:51 PM	#5
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	2wd boxes WILL break the frame as well.... mine broke not long ago... __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

01-08-2003, 03:16 PM	#2
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,399	convert it to crossover steering, and install a new 2wd box. doing so will also eliminate the stress on the frame where the existing box attaches.



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