SAS steering slop

[BUCHVILLEMAN]

ive been running SAS for a year now. Ive got 20k on her and wheel it a couple times since weve had rain and mud in florida for the past year. ive also been out with flexplorers a couple times for some mild off camber stuff and one day of rocks that stressed her it out fairly well. but my steering slop occured before then.

anyway - i put a ranger 4x4 box on and it wore out all the seals pretty quick with the stock steering pump that went to the rack and pinion. so in november i changed to a vintage model ex steering pump and rebuilt gear box (both from advance.) the box is now worn out again. ive got all new rod ends on tie rods and drag link. i am running a track bar so i don tfeel that the box is taking all the abuse it would without one. i am running 33's and an open front end so not as much resistence as with 35s. i went from nice and tight steering to sloppy in less than 3 months. parts store will not warranty box too BTW - already checked.

i know that there are a bunch of you SAS boys running a similar if not same setup as me - you having issues? what can it be?

someone told me that there is an alan screw at the end of the pinion input that i can tighten but i cant see well enough to determine if there is or not. can some one confirm?

should i just expect to wear out these boxes i am i having misfortune in box choices.

thanks - oh and here is a recent pic or 2

(and just because - a few links)

http://momentoffame.com/snapshots/MomentOfFame/l64339.jpg

http://momentoffame.com/snapshots/MomentOfFame/l64340.jpg

 

[NOTAJP]

Good looking Exploder. The steering box from a Ranger to the F350s were all the same so you can find them anywhere. I don't understand why they are wearing out like yours is. There is a screw on top of the box that allows adjustment to tighten the box. I don't have the procedure memorized but I know it's in the Chilton's Manual. If you need it, I can scan it tonight for you.

 

[CoryL]

Moved to Shocks, Suspension, and Lift Kits.

 

[BUCHVILLEMAN]

if you dont mind scanning it that would be great. my chiltons got left outside one too many times. i knew that they were used on f150 but had no idea that they were used in the heavy duty trucks. perhaps i have just gotten 2 duds. at least the rebuilt unit isnt leaking juice or anything.

im also checking rangerstation and others to see about tightening the box up.

thanks notajp! hows your truck holding up after the SAS?


thanks cory - wasnt sure where to post this.

 

[NOTAJP]

I'll get that scanned tonight.

My trucks been holding up great after the SAS. Ride, drive, steering, flex, and dependability have all improved. Not to mentioned to coolness factor when someone asks, "What the hell is that?" or, "You can't do that with an Explorer!"....Funny I just did.

Still mind boggles me how your steering is being affected.

 

[BUCHVILLEMAN]

i love that feeling too. i love flexing over and through things like small ravines and diches where before ide be tipping or planting a bumper or whatever. been able to experience my first real rock crawling in the explorer. i hope to make tellico this may.

i just talked to a guy that told me there should be an allan head screw inset in the end of the pinion input. i should be able to hold the pinion with vice grips or pipe wrench (like there is a pile of room) and tighten it down a bit. i may just pull the box and tighten it on the ground. his theory was that it was probably not tightened down tight enough when rebuilt.

check out this recent wheeling trip report actual report starts 5 posts down.

 

[NOTAJP]

Sounds like fun up until the walking part. Been there, done that, don't want no damn t-shirt! lol. A winch is worth it's weight in gold and costs almost as much. It's more of a matter of when rather than if I get down that way again, I'd love to wheel with you guys in FL.

 

[BUCHVILLEMAN]

by all means drop me a line or pop on the www.flexplorers.com forumns and let us know when you are in the state. we like to wheel with our extended 4x4 family!

youre in idaho? you are stationed there? my brother is AF now stationed in DC.

i filed taxes last night and based on the return i am getting i am going to have to limit my winch budget to $500. im pretty sure that im going to get the mm e9000. can get one for 465 shipped w/rollerfairlead. ive talked to a couple guys on pirate boards that liek them well enough and i saw a FS bronco in jacksonville with one. you know anything about them? i figure they are better than the harbor freight and tool $300 cheapo winch or the raymark, or pierce that are all in $400 range. at least i know the milemarker name and have read decent reviews on them.

 

[410Fortune]

Hydraulic assist time