Power Steering Box, Replace or Rebuild?

[DSJW]

Hello to the Bronco Brain Trust,

I have a '77 with factory power steering. I replaced the pump about 10 years ago with a saginaw pump kit from Tom's. The old box has had a small leak for a few years. The leak has gotten worse and it's time to fix that. What is out there? I see Tom's lists a heavier duty box that just bolts on, and I'm sure there are other options out there that might be a better choice.

Definitely looking for a bolt-on option, is it better to rebuild the original, or just replace it? Not a rock crawler by any stretch of the imagination. Mostly street driving and some trailer hauling, with some time spent out on back roads, trails, and then a bit of bush whacking. Happy to hear all suggestions, thoughts, and comments. TIA!

 

[gnpenning]

For what you described your stock box will work fine. In fact your linkage will be the weak point.

Without knowing your mechanical ability it will be hard to give a good answer. I'm in the reseal it yourself category, really not that complicated. A simple reseal you can do in the vehicle for the normal leak points. Really depends on where and why it's leaking. You will have people that will rebuild a transmission or motor, etc but not a steering box??? If you have a bunch of play in the box that needs different bearings or want to quicken up the ratio, then that is a different story.

Most here will tell you to send it out.

 

[DSJW]

Thank you for the reply. I worked as a machinist, mechanical designer, and equipment fabricator, so doing the rebuild is probably well within my existing skill set. But right now I'm in the middle of getting one house built, and my current house ready for sale. Definitely prefer a bolt-in replacement, or a rebuild. I'm also looking for the most bang for my steering buck, LOL. If there are newer, more robust offerings, that are notably better than the original, and at a reasonable cost, I'd be happy to hear about them. Thanks Again!

 

[rcmbronc]

I would suggest sending it to West Texas Offroad for a rebuild.

 

[jamesroney]

I suggest that you call Josh at AGR steering in Ft. Worth.

He is an Early Bronco guy, and will “steer” you right...