Steering box leak

[dakonthemountain]

Rebuild or replace?
Time is the real enemy for me. I just don't have much of it and have not rebuilt a steering box before, even though I have a great friend that is a mechanical guru and could perhaps help/guide me. I've got the shop manuals Recommendations from you gurus? Thanks!
Dak

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

Me personally I would replace it. We did it on the 85 three or four uears ago and it hasnt gave us a bit of trouble since.

 

[LEB Ben]

Well I just rebuilt Red's...and it's still leaking, although not nearly as bad as before, and steering seems to be waaaaaaaay smoother. If you don't have any leaks, I say go for a rebuild kit...I'm gonna need a new box (dunno where I can get a new one). The kit is $56 and a new box is $275. Here's JBG's link to just about anything you could need/want regarding a steering box:

http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/c-110

 

[dakonthemountain]

Its' leaking Ben. I kinda thought it would be good experience to rebuild it, but as I said,.. time !! Guess I'll just bite the bullet and replace it. I don't want to have to do it twice!
Thanks!
Dak

 

[lenny1carl]

Replace....everything has to be perfect in a rebuild....and you said you're time strapped.
I went through it with Nan's Lincoln.....stupid mistake to not replace.

 

[LEB Ben]

No worries...for some reason, I was thinking Burt was a '79 at the time of my first post, in which case JBG would have what you need, I'm stumped on where to get a good quality steering box for a pre-78 250. If you find a place, lemme know. Only reason I went with the rebuild was because it was $220 cheaper, but looks like it was a waste, and I wasn't really sure where to find a new box.

 

[dakonthemountain]

Thanks Ben, I'll do the research and let ya know. I've seen them but at this moment don't remember where. I know they are out there though!
Dak

 

[bucks77ford]

I'm using one of the 78/79 F250 4x4 steering boxes and I rebuilt it, but have noticed I've got a small leak on top where the adjustment screw is. Not sure why it would be leaking there. Those things aren't cheap to buy rebuilt. I'm going to try and get another one and rebuild it to see what happens.

 

[miottimouse]

i woudnt even try to rebuild it steering is not something you want to find out at 75mph or so that you forgot a bolt or ball bearing just my opinion put a rebuilt unit from a shop that specializes in steering regurds joe