need ASAP (can't drive far) - What power steering box will work?

wbones9 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 05:43 AM

I need to either get a PS box from Oreilly's / NAPA or a junkyard today and swap it so i can get to work tomorrow.

I know the pitman arm is different, but are the boxes all the same from 99-03? would a gasser box fit on the diesel? I know 2wd and 4wd are different from what I can tell.

If I go to Oreily's, i get 2 different part number options
8 splines between blocked teeth on sector shaft
or
9 splines between blocked teeth on sector shaft

thanks.

APEowner · #2 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 05:49 AM

I know this doesn't really answer your question but I recommend the NAPA box. They're available with a lifetime warranty and their system allows you to look up the part you really need. If you really need to know the spline count you can see the splines on the top side of the pitman arm and while it's not easy you should be able to count them.

wbones9 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 05:52 AM

when i look on Napaonline it gives me the same options. I found a 2000 excursion box for $100, then i could rebuild mine when i have time and resell it, but of course no warranty on the part from the junkyard.

I usually buy my parts at Napa, but for some things I just can't afford to pay their prices. The box is only $30 more there (compared to o'reilys), so I would go to NAPA no question.

szyd · #4 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 05:59 AM

I like the spline counting idea. Make sure you mark the tooth you start counting so as to not count it twice.

wbones9 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 06:15 AM

i crawled under it and marked every 5 teeth. The problem is you can only see 70% of the teeth or so, but I think it is a 32 spline

usually I would just buy both and return the wrong one, but the core charge on them is rediculous.

szyd · #6 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 06:21 AM

Pull the nut off and count the teeth their. It will take a little more time but less time than going back to the parts store.

wbones9 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 06:24 AM

I called my local napa (which I can walk to). They have both in stock. I'll pull it this afternoon and just walk over.

I'de pull the nut now, but I'm at work about 10 miles from home.

I did notice that my output shaft on the box looks twisted, which is scary.

APEowner · #8 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 06:32 AM

Quote:

I called my local napa (which I can walk to). They have both in stock. I'll pull it this afternoon and just walk over.

I'de pull the nut now, but I'm at work about 10 miles from home.

There you go. I just can't see putting a used box on one of these trucks. There are so many bad ones that the odds of getting a good one are really slim.

Quote:

I did notice that my output shaft on the box looks twisted, which is scary.

That is scary!