P/S box FYI

[96psdlawnco]

My box on my 1996 F250 has alot of play on it and I was looking to replace it. While checking it out I realized it looked almost identical to the steering boxes off of Explorers and Rangers and I just happened to have a few good ones around from previous vehicles I scrapped out(read - I'm a pack rat). After a visual comparison and crossing some part numbers they are in fact the same. I'm not sure what all model years this pertains to but the box from a 1985 4x4 Ranger, 1994 4x4 Explorer and 1992 4x4 Ranger are all the same as my 1996 F250 4x4 PSD.

This may not be news to you guys but it made me happy to find out I don't have to go spend $250+ on a new box.

[freedomisntfree]

Thats good to know... i think mine is going out.. I have a lot of play in mine, did changing the box fix the play? All my balljoints have been replaced and i still have the play. I have a 2wd, do u know if the gear box is the same as 4x4?

[Justin M]

me too...i have some play and i have all new parts too

[96psdlawnco]

As far as I know the boxes are the same on th 4wd and 2wd. I had alot of play in the wheel and some of it was the box but the rest was the joint at the pitman arm. If everything is new and you still have play in the wheel, check out your pivot bushings on the TTB or your track bar on the solid axle. Badly worn leaf spring busings can also translate to slop in the steering.

[freedomisntfree]

Is the gear box the same on a 2wd as the 4x4? I looked up the ranger and explorer 4x4 and the part numbers are slightly different? My idea is to get a used one for my truck.

[96psdlawnco]

They are in fact the same. 2wd and 4wd will interchange. I just called my neighbor (Ford Master tech) and he assured me that they will. He's a VERY handy person to have close by.

[freedomisntfree]

Yeah he's a keeper! thnx 96psdlawnco......... it deffinately widdens my search.... thnx man!