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. It covers the outside of the steering gearbox with fluid. What's the best way to go with this repair?

[superdood]

ITS AN EASY FIX TO REPLACE THE SEAL AND DUST COVER.PULL THE PITMAN ARMAND REMOVE THE SNAP RING,PULL THE DUST COVER AND DRILL A SMALL HOLE IN THE SEAL THEN RUN A SCREW IN IT GRAB IT WITH A PLIERS AND PULL IT OUT.TO INSTALL DO THE REVERSE EXCEPT FOR THE DRILLING AND THE SCREW.I USE A PIECE OF PIPE TO TAP THE SEAL IN.IT TOOK ME ONE HOUR AND 14 BUCKS.HOPE THIS HELPS