Steering gearbox leaking-1997 F-250

[DougC]

I just bought a 1997 F-250 with a 7.3 liter. The output shaft seal on the steering gearbox is leaking. The mechanic wants $400 to replace the whole gearbox. Is this standard procedure or can I just replace the seal instead? The truck has only 77k on it. The steering is tight and shows no problem except for the leak which is slow right now and doesn't drip onto the pavement. It just covers the outside of the steering gearbox with fluid. What's the best way to go with this repair?

Here's a picture of my new truck.

Thanks for the help.
DougC


untitled-2.jpg by iamdiego1, on Flickr