'91 Steering Box Issue

[mounty71]

The upper left hole of the steering box that attaches it to the frame is stripped out pretty good so that with the stock 7/16 bolt in place, it doesn't hold the box close to the frame. So When turning the wheel to the right it separates from the frame a good inch or two, but when turning to the left it is pushed up against the frame. Obviously i can't drive like this, and it is downright scary. A couple people suggested getting a longer bolt and using a nylon lock nut to secure it against the frame, so i tried it and realized there is a protrusion on the top of the steering box that prevents me from getting the longer bolt entirely through, and from getting the nut on. And even if there was room to get the nut on, the threads are completely ruined from the stripped threads inside the steering box. So now i can think of two options: getting a 3/8 or 5/16 bolt of stock length with a nylon lock nut, or getting another steering box from a junked explorer. The third option would be to let a shop deal with it, but with a hefty price.

So i'd like some opinions, whether using a smaller diameter bolt would be sufficient/safe. And how difficult would replacing the steering box be? Replacing it seems to me to be a fairly in-depth project, but i really don't know. Just getting a smaller bolt and nut is certainly much cheaper than having a shop do the work the proper way, they wanted over $400. I also need to get the truck back home this week, so i'd either need a quick fix (even a temporary fix would work for now, as it will be sitting for the next couple months) or i'd need it towed home. Help please!! And thanks in advance.

 

[Tbars4]

...It sounds like your last sentences have the answer, "temporary or towed"...:scratch:

...Where is it at??? ..Do you have AAA ??...It's good for a year and that would solve a lot of problems, now and in the future...

...I myself would either first, have it towed and deal with it when I got back, 2nd, buy a new box and put it in myself, or 3rd, put a used box in...It is not that hard at all to swap..

...You may be able to do a bolt swap but, if it acts up on the way home or not, you still need to fix it proper probably with a newer box...I was wondering why we hadn't heard from you in a while...

 

[IZwack]

Going with a smaller bolt will work if it'll fit -- just get the largest size and of course Grade-8. Also, dont turn the wheel if the vehicle is not moving (drive like it doesnt have power steering ), and take exit ramps slower than usual (minimize lateral G's).

 

[mounty71]

Tbars- It's in Long Beach now, but it needs to be in Simi. We do have AAA, but it's the least expensive membership which you get only 7 miles of towing for free. I'm looking into upgrading to get 100 miles towing, but they're closed till Tuesday. And for the past couple weeks school has been kicking my ass, i was pulling several all-nighters just to get my final projects done. But school's out now!!

Iz- thanks for the tips.

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

I would follow what Iz says until you can fix it properly. I myself just have a bad box in my truck, I have about 3 inches of play from center before it starts to move the wheels. I'm only going to install a used box, it's 30-40 dollars, and even if the used boxes last a year each, I'm still saving money.

But if you have any quesetions about safety, I'd recommend not driving it at all if your'e not confident.

Good Luck

 

[IZwack]

How far is "home" BTW?

 

[mounty71]

I would follow what Iz says until you can fix it properly. I myself just have a bad box in my truck, I have about 3 inches of play from center before it starts to move the wheels. I'm only going to install a used box, it's 30-40 dollars, and even if the used boxes last a year each, I'm still saving money.

But if you have any quesetions about safety, I'd recommend not driving it at all if your'e not confident.

Good Luck

Ya before upgrading AAA and towing it the 70+ miles home, i'll try the smaller bolt. I don't know how you've been driving yours without having a heart attack every time. I'm not really scared of breaking anything, i'm just scared i'll not be able to swerve around something on all the narrow streets around my place. And i don't even want to try driving on the freeway for an hour. My steering wheel is pointed between 2:00 or 4:00 when driving straight, and can turn it about a quarter revolution before changing direction.

 

[Tbars4]

...Just a head's up, AAA takes 3-5 days after payment to get your upgraded status to take effect..

 

[mounty71]

I finally got it driveable. After what seemed like 800 trips between Lowe's and Home Depot it's done for now. I used a 5" 3/8 bolt and nylon locking nut with 5 washers between the bolt head and frame. I test drove it and it drove like it used to, the steering wheel is fairly straight now and the steering is decently responsive.