mowerman Posted July 4, 2023 Author Share Posted July 4, 2023 Well, it’s definitely 392. It’s a little bit more clear with a naked eye photograph doesn’t do it any favors 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534176 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey Mack Posted July 4, 2023 Share Posted July 4, 2023 it is a sheppard box #392... good deal Bob.. I expect you to get the info you need now.. Jojo 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534177 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted July 4, 2023 Author Share Posted July 4, 2023 OK we got hamburger hotdog, shrimp, fish. I will take photos Joey, especially for you Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534178 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted July 4, 2023 Author Share Posted July 4, 2023 Well, according to Geoff, there’s still ready and available. That’s great news. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534179 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted July 4, 2023 Author Share Posted July 4, 2023 At least now I might be able to get a replacement if need be Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534180 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted July 4, 2023 Author Share Posted July 4, 2023 Frankly, I was hoping for something to replace at this might help a little bit and hunting something down Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534181 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Weeks Posted July 4, 2023 Share Posted July 4, 2023 (edited) Yeah that is good news. There is a high pressure seal at the input shaft that can wear the shaft. If it leaks bad from the input shaft it might need that shaft machined/repaired. Last time I had to have that done to a box it cost me a grand. The good news is it can be repaired, the bad news is it is not cheap. I have found them to be a good box. I had three of them. Let me be clear, many times you can just re-seal and/or replace bushings and bearing and put back together. If the input shaft is badly worn where the seal rides, that is when it runs into money. Edited July 4, 2023 by Geoff Weeks 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534182 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey Mack Posted July 4, 2023 Share Posted July 4, 2023 Yes, those steering boxes are still in service,, I forgot to take a picture of my finished brisket.. It was yummie, Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534183 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted July 4, 2023 Author Share Posted July 4, 2023 I will be sending photos soon Great news about the box. Thanks bud. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534186 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted July 4, 2023 Author Share Posted July 4, 2023 Thanks for all your help Geoff I am not necessarily looking for a bargain. Just want to get it fixed. Parts available a huge plus… Bob Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534187 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted July 4, 2023 Author Share Posted July 4, 2023 Our kenworth an Peterbilt rebuilt shop here in Reno our shop boss told me they usually charge fedex 1000 bucks so I was ready to open my wallet lol Bob Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534188 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Weeks Posted July 5, 2023 Share Posted July 5, 2023 Depends on what it needs. If the shop pulls it and sends it out regardless of the problem it will be in that range or a bit more. If you take it apart and put new bearings and/or seals and bushings and the shaft seal surface is ok, it can be 1/10th that. I did some of my boxes more than once, When a new seal wouldn't correct the leak because of shaft wear, it was time for the big rebuild. They are big and heavy, but aside from getting the gears timed right, not too technical. There are a couple dots on the two gears to get it timed on center. I think that manual I posted a while back may have the procedure in it. If you just need to take some slop out of the pitman shaft IIRC it rides in a bushing with a seal at the outer end. You have to pull it all apart to get to it, but I did one of mine and it lasted. You will not know until you have it apart. Just keep track of the input shaft orientation with the inner big piston, IIRC it is a triple helix ( can go in 3 ways). If you get it wrong the steering wheel will be off when in the straight forward position. If you don't want to do it, I would recommend Straight Line Steering in bay area Calif. Give them a call and see what they would charge to go through it. Hardest part is getting the pitman arm off, There are 3 methods that the secure them, again covered in the manual. It is amazing how something that compact can be so heavy and awkward to handle. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534190 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted July 5, 2023 Author Share Posted July 5, 2023 It looks awfully heavy frankly I would rather just sent it out and take my chances. Thanks for all your help and Joey I try to take some photos of the barbecue grill old lady already took half of the stuff off. She is a little sensitive now just lost her mom a month ago I can’t say anything. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534193 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Weeks Posted July 5, 2023 Share Posted July 5, 2023 I can understand that. If you are just going after slop in the bushings or external leaks (the power steering works) than you don't have to do all the little disassembly shown in the manual, just pull the big chunks to get at what you need to repair. I did the input shaft with the box in the truck, pitman bushing require it out, so you can get at both sides. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534227 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted July 5, 2023 Author Share Posted July 5, 2023 Thanks again for all your help I have 3 big manuals a buddy of mine just had one rebuilt probably mentioned somewhere in San Jose. It might be the same place. He said it was relatively cheap. It was only around 250 but he has a 20002 F 600 Ford dump truck Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534232 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted July 5, 2023 Author Share Posted July 5, 2023 He said the shipping was only around 100 bucks both ways, but are you probably went through Fedex we’re good for huge discount for being employees Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534233 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted July 5, 2023 Author Share Posted July 5, 2023 I would rather just have it done, right according to what I’m looking at. It looks like all the play in the Pitman shaft bushing. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534234 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Weeks Posted July 5, 2023 Share Posted July 5, 2023 No problem, I can understand not wanting to do it yourself. I did and have the bad back, aches and pains to prove it. Yea, sounds like the same place. They are known, I haven't used them (being in the mid-west) but know people that swear by them. I had three boxes for two trucks, so would exchange them when one needed work. After close to 2 M miles the original box wouldn't hold an input seal and had to be sent off for machining and a sleeve. I put pitman bushings in one, it wasn't hard but wouldn't look forward to doing it either! I had one (1983) that was built for Ryder's rental fleet, so have no idea how many million miles it had on it when I sold it a year or so ago. I do know I wouldn't hesitate to drive it anywhere, one reliable truck. I know it wore out one Cummins block, already had salvage sleeves in it for 2 of the liners, and needs a full set put in it. I swapped in a newer engine and still have the original sitting in my barn. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534237 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted July 5, 2023 Author Share Posted July 5, 2023 Wow I also bought a 83 Ryder it was a great work truck cruise liner 350 thermodyne 9 speed excellent j think Mack told me it had a Ross box ???? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534244 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted July 8, 2023 Author Share Posted July 8, 2023 OK I’m thinking of pulling the DM in the garage and start on the box but before I did that I wanted to verify the 392 is a good number for a parts, correct? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534393 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Weeks Posted July 8, 2023 Share Posted July 8, 2023 It was the last time I needed them. They were in use at least through the end of the 80's. It is the two digit boxes that parts are no longer available. If in doubt call Straight Line and ask if they will have a problem. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534402 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted July 8, 2023 Author Share Posted July 8, 2023 OK thanks bud. I appreciate the information. I will call them before I do anything. I’m thinking I might have better luck with them. Then Reno route builder. I don’t know. I would rather not send it off if I don’t have to. Thanks again. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534404 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted July 8, 2023 Author Share Posted July 8, 2023 But as I mentioned, this is about the only issue on the truck that and the tires, of course ha ha I’m sure that’s going to be another headache. Everything else on it is really unavailable. Bob Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534405 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted July 8, 2023 Author Share Posted July 8, 2023 Just came up with this. I’m sure this is the place they have a really good rating. I was going to call them but they’re not open now. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534407 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowerman Posted July 8, 2023 Author Share Posted July 8, 2023 Ha ha I see what you mean about the Pitman arm to set screws I took them out and sprayed a bunch of WD-40. I’m sure I’ll have to borrow a gear puller from Home Depot. All I have is a steering wheel puller I know that’s not gonna do it. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/72901-steering-box-issue/page/3/#findComment-534413 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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