10 Gearbox Install, help

[cfan10]

Ok, not to sound like an idiot…but what is the best way with limited tools to install a power steering gearbox?
I’ve already removed it, what do I connect first the pitman arm, the steering or mount it to the frame.
As always many thanks for advice/experience.

I have heavy duty jack stands and access to a floor jack if needed.

Info:
84 swb
305 v8 auto trans

[cfan10]

C'mon guys...

[frog210]

I would say go and install the gear box first, then connect the pitman ARM, then the steering, because your going to have to find out where the middle is going to be, so you might have to take off and put in and check a few times, to get it straight
Posted via Mobile Device

[Tx Firefighter]

I always just install the pitman to the box splined shaft then lift the box up under there and drop the pitman spud into the center link. That will hold the box up in the air and allow you to maneuver it around to start the bolts through the frame.

Once you get the box bolted to the frame, install pitman arm nut and torque it and safety it.

Then connect lines and steering shaft.
Posted via Mobile Device

[cfan10]

Ok, I’ve connected the gearbox to the steering and pitman arm was already on the new gearbox, so I just dropped it in…thing is now I cannot get the frame bolt holes to line up with the gearbox holes. Also, the bolts seem too short, so the question is what am I doing wrong.
I connected the gearbox to the frame first but couldn’t connect anything else, so I had to take it down, what I’m saying is the box did bolt to the frame with minimal issues before, but will not now.
As always many thanks for experience/advice is greatly appreciated.

[Tx Firefighter]

You have to bench press the heavy bastard up a little to get the holes lined up. Try using a large punch. Lift, line up at least one hole, poke punch through the hole to keep it aligned. Then shove steering box around to line up the rest of the holes and get your bolts started.

If it's just hanging with the Pitman arm through the center link, the holes won't line up without some muscle and finesse.

If the bolts worked the first time you mounted it to the frame, they should work again now.

[cfan10]

Ok, so I finally got around to bolting my power steering gearbox up, haven’t driven the truck since I did the gearbox. My question is when I turn the steering wheel all the way to left or right I hear a popping noise coming from the front. Could this be tie-rods, ball joints or possibly bushings? Any advice is greatly appreciated. And as always many thanks in advance.

84 swb 305

[cfan10]

No one?

[Tx Firefighter]

You're just gonna have to have someone cycle the steering back and forth while you're down under there to see where the popping is coming from. You should be able to carefully put your fingers on each ball joint and tie rod end to see if you can feel the pop through your hands. Let me reiterate the carefully part. You could maim yourself if you get your fingers caught up in the steering. Maybe use a mechanics stethoscope if you have access to one to avoid the potential for injury altogether.

[cfan10]

^Haven't tried that...but the other day I went to where I store my truck and I see a decent size leak under the gearbox? Any advice on why the new box is leaking? Pump was replaced with a reman one last year. Thanks.

[jholley]

I'd recommend not fully attaching the pitman arm until you have the box bolted in place. Just replaced mine the other day. Put the pitman arm fully on then had to disconnect the idler to get the drag link to relax enough to get the pitman to attach. I should have known, this is about the third one of these I've done on various trucks.