New here, need some help if possible

[steveus]

Good question! When the problem occcured, the wheels would turn all the way to the right from center, and back to center, but not to the left of center at all.
Steve

 

[steveus]

Thanks for the question, Donner. When the problem occurred, the wheels would turn all the way to the right from center, and back to center, but not to the left from center at all. Steve

 

[Donner]

Got it... that might help out the other members a bit. I was asking because I imagined the vehicle having an obstruction due to a bent or broker part that isn't obvious/visible. I don't know cars, I'm just hoping this will help get an answer... Good luck!

(Now, what would be out of view that would obstruct only a left turn, hmm...

 

[Donner]

And it's a 4wd vehicle?

 

[steveus]

No, 2 wd. I'm quite sure problem is steering box, I'll be putting new one on tomorrow, I hope! Steve

 

[Donner]

Okay, I'm picturing my son, responsible, but trying to "catch air" and landing on one side of the vehicle pretty hard. Nothing to be upset about, but I haven't heard anyone mention the steering box as a common point of failure. Are these areas that would be damaged by that type of impact? 4wheelers land pretty hard, I wonder if they can tell us this - do you go off roading? Maybe the previous posters can answer this...

 

[Donner]

Any thoughts on this one?

Yes it will help to disconnect the other end to relieve some stress.

This is a good one...

 

[Donner]

Steve, last question while we await an answer: Was there an alignment performed recently on the vehicle?

 

[Donner]

Well, one more... Here's a link to read through.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=179088&highlight=steering+box+damage

 

[steveus]

Thanks for the link to the thread, it was interesting. No, we don't do what I think you're calling off-roading, but our main hobby is hunting, so the truck definately goes in the woods. No hard knocks that I know of, as a matter of fact I asked him that when he first called me about the problem. And no recent front-end alignment. I know that the steering box is not a common part to go bad, but it does happen I guess. Nothing else looks out of kilter under the front end. I'm going to try to get this new steering box on today, attach the Pitman arm, try to make sure everything is lined up, and see what happens. Thanks much, I'll report my progress. I'm afraid I'm about to my limit of mechanical knowledge, but we'll see.
Steve

 

[Donner]

Good luck! Hope it's nothing too expensive...

 

[steveus]

O.K. guys, got the new (rebuilt) steering box on this morning about 10:30, been out driving to check things out, looks like we're good! Seems to be fine, steering is a little stiff, but I expected that out of the new box. Going to top off the power steering fluid with some Lucas, which I think is great stuff. Can't see any leaks or anything that concerns me, so right now I'm feeling pretty good. And sure saved a lot of $$ as opposed to just taking to a shop and saying "fix it". Thanks everyone for your help, I'll be back, because I want to do some more work on this truck along and along. Next project will be a new clutch, that will be a first for me also. And in my truck, a Dodge 1500 SLT extended cab, I've got to replace the ball joints, which will also be a first. Thanks, Steve

 

[Donner]

Alright! (Now if you could share with me, are the gear box and steering box one in the same? Thanks! I know nothing about the engine except for occasional issues...

 

[steveus]

Yes, I think it's actually called a steering gear box. I think we're talking about the same thing. Steve

 

[Donner]

Good deal! Thank you... and best of luck to your son!

 

[dangerranger88]

gear box and steering box are the same thing