SAS Steering Box

[TwotoneSam]

I'm planning on doing a swapping in a Dana 44 in the next few weeks on my 04 Explorer Sport Trac, and still just getting together most of the parts.
The steering box has held me up a bit but I believe I have options just not sure which to choose.

Craigslist-
Toyota ifs steering box $100
or
79 Ford Power steering box and intermediate shaft with pitman arm $150

And / or
Gen 1 explorer or ranger?
Local pick a part and look for one, just not 100% on years makes and models.

Also any links to thread that has this discussion would be appreciative, I've looked but haven't found the really good thread yet lol
Thanks

 

[OffTrac]

You might have better luck if this thread was moved into the Offroad Fabrication forum. Not many Sport Tracs have been successfully swapped to solid axles so your intended audience is pretty slim in this forum. You might be able to get a moderator to move it.

I'll follow this project.

 

[TwotoneSam]

Ahh okies didn't even really think about it that way. Still a newb to the fourms. Thanks

 

[MidnightRebel07]

Yeah, study up on Chad's Trac and other 2nd Gen Ex's as the frames are pretty much the same setup's on Trac's, Ranger's and 2nd Gen Explorer's.

 

[chad551]

I would go with the Ford Explorer Gen 1 steering box. They can be found everyday at any parts store. And I beleive they are cheaper then the Yota boxes. I like mine because it is inside the frame, and I dont have to worry about my tires hitting it. And the stock lines on your ST fit it as well. You just have to make a custom steering shaft. The top part by the steering wheel is left stock and the bottom part is from a Gen 1 explorer.

 

[TwotoneSam]

Perfect Thanks!

 

[damarble]

There's another recent thread asking the same thing. I'll tell you the same thing I told him, I prefer the Yota box. Less sloppy than Ford boxes and allows for a longer draglink (less bumpsteer). The above mentioned hybrid steering shaft supposedly bolts to the Yota box too. Attaching to your frame requires the same amount of work for either. So it's just a matter of fluid lines, and since the Exy lines are metric it won't be that hard.

 

[chad551]

I have no slop in my steering box. If there is slop then the box is shot. Go to your local parts store and trade for a new unit under warranty. And zero bumpsteer. Not sure why you had those issues??

 

[damarble]

New vs new they should both be tight I should say. But the Ford seems to get sloppy faster. I've never been in a Ford with recirculating ball steering that didn't have a dead spot, Toyotas don't seem to have that problem as much.

 

[chad551]

New vs new they should both be tight I should say. But the Ford seems to get sloppy faster. I've never been in a Ford with recirculating ball steering that didn't have a dead spot, Toyotas don't seem to have that problem as much.

Yeah that may be true. I have tightened mine up by adjusting, that screw on the top. I think it tightens up the worm gear??? A guy at a shop told me that trick.