This probably isn't good...

[Aaron]

With the given that I'm not a technical guru like the rest of you, I have to assume this is bad...

Steering thingy it seems.

[Brody]

It is the seal at the bottom of the steering box where the sector shaft comes out. You have a couple of options: Used box at the junkyard, new box from Jeep, or rebuild the box.

Getting the pitman arm off the box with a pitman arm puller is usually the hardest part and the tools is easily gotten at Checker, Advanced, or any of the other places that rent tools. Once that is done and the box removed, the sector shaft removed from the box, then it is back to simple hand tools and a seal replacement. You just have to take the box off and disconnect everything attached to it before you can do any of the work.

Easiest thing is a used box from a yard, but you would be taking your chances. In the meantime, don't let it run out of fluid....

[Aaron]

Ok. That sounds easier than getting a tranny in and out (my new determination of whether I do something or not).

I'm looking at 140 at autozone for a reman.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/catalog/parts/partsProduct.jsp?displayName=Steering+Gear+(Power+ Steering)&itemId=599-0&navValue=14600599&parentId=46-0&productId=858506&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=858506_0_0_&filterByKeyWord=steering&categoryNValue=14699999&isSearchByPartNumber=false&categoryDisplayName=Suspension&store=820&skuDescription=Atsco/SteeringGear(PowerSteering)&fromWhere=&searchText=steering&_requestid=168710

Somewhere between 8 and 35 for seals, etc. Which kit. There seems to be many variations and no real good explanation as to what I need (or want).
Input shaft seal kit: http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Detail.aspx?A=NPS7419_0135903529&An=599001+101997+50038+2038036
Major seal kit (at 140,000, I think I need this one) http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Detail.aspx?A=NPS7380_0135903531&An=599001+101997+50038+2038036
Pitman shaft complete seal set: http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Detail.aspx?A=NPS7224_0135903527&An=599001+101997+50038+2038036
Pitman shaft lower seal set: http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Detail.aspx?A=NPS7227_0135903528&An=599001+101997+50038+2038036

[Volcom]

If you are going buy a new steering box, make sure you upgrade in the process. Order a 1998-1999 4wd dodge durango (snow plow option) steering box. Yes, sounds crazy but TJ guys have been upgrading to this box for years now!
http://www.easternshorejeep.com/forum/Blah.pl?v-print/m-1235102727/

http://www.marylandjeepclub.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=5821

How to replace the box
http://www.stu-offroad.com/steering/gearbox/gearbox-1.htm

[1freaky1]

Your rig is piddling on the floor:oops:, nah Aaron just kidding with ya since Mr.Pete already addressed the issue. It wouldn't be trail rig if it did not have at least one leak somewhere.

[Aaron]

Looks like everyone who replaced their leaky unit (rather than fixing the seal) has been very happy with the increased steering response and feel.

I read up on the dodge durango replacement and it looks like a straight bolt up. Unfortunately there isn't one built with the snow plow package in town anywhere. There is one that came without the snow plow package and I think I'm headed over to go get it. Evidently the only real difference is the snow plow package version has more turns to lock.

Its turnign out to be an expensive month for the jeep. Going on 2K now... Lots of it was fun though with the winch and the bumper...

[Aaron]

Your rig is piddling on the floor:oops:, nah Aaron just kidding with ya since Mr.Pete already addressed the issue. It wouldn't be trail rig if it did not have at least one leak somewhere.

I don't like seeing her bleed. No likey.

[scout man]

It wouldn't be trail rig if it did not have at least one leak somewhere.

wait, you mean some of you guys only have one leak!! Aaron, if it makes you feel better I am not sure I could find one thing on my rig the DOESNT leak. :D

[Rob]

Yeah, I'm waiting till the 40 develops a second leak before I replace the rear main seal to stop the oil leak. :D Apparently, a leak-free 40 is cause for derision.

[Chris]

No leaks on my truck. ;)

[DKDunn04]

I dont have any leaks, surprisingly.

[Aaron]

Broke my first pitman arm puller. Seeing if I can get brighton ford to get it off for me. $$$

[Haku]

Pitman arms suck to get off. Best way I found to do it is to first spray the crap out of it with a penetrating oil type thing like PB Blaster. Then put the pitman puller on and snug it down tight but not so tight that its bending stuff. Then get a hammer, preferably brass, and give the pitman puller bolt some good whacks. You can also hit the bottom or side of the pitman puller. You should be able to snug it again and repeat the process. It might take a while, but you won't break the tool and it will eventually come off. Each time might only get you a couple millimeters each time, but it will eventually just pop right off.

JH

[Volcom]

I usually cut a slit in the pitman arm, they usually come right off after that :D

[Hypoid]

Broke my first pitman arm puller. Seeing if I can get brighton ford to get it off for me. $$$

Have a picture of that broken puller?

Last time I borrowed one, it was a heavy, cone shaped chunk with a big screw at the small end. No jaws, fingers, nothing, just one heavy chunk with a screw. Hard to picture one of those breaking.

[Haku]

I broke one of these $5 Harbor Freight jobbies last year at the junkyard.....

http://images.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/01700-01799/01752.gif

Broke one of the tabs off that goes under the pitman arm. I'm sure there are stronger ones out there though.They do create a lot of force, and I tightened it down really hard. When I took my pitman arm off last week, it took 20 minutes but I managed to do it with minimal strife and no breakage. Its frustrating, since you can't really tell if its moving or not, but 10-20 minutes later after lots of bashing and tightening, it just popped right off.

JH

[Hypoid]

I can see where that style would take some careful attention.

The one I borrowed was like this picture. The pitman arm came off with a loud POP! :D

11387

[WINKY]

ever try heating the arm itself with a propane torch? let the heat work up the to point of attachment then try to take it off, might be much easier..

[Aaron]

I can see where that style would take some careful attention.

The one I borrowed was like this picture. The pitman arm came off with a loud POP! :D

11387

where did you rent this one? I've looked it up and it costs more than a pitman arm... Which has gotten me thinking, if I continue to fail to get the pitman arm off, I'll just remove it from the tie rod and take off the steering box and pitman arm as a unit and buy a new pitman arm. I'll fight the pitman arm for a bit longer though.

[Aaron]

ever try heating the arm itself with a propane torch? let the heat work up the to point of attachment then try to take it off, might be much easier..

I've heated hammered and torqued. It's Sunday so now I'm going to prey. And I'm going to perform commerce at harbor freight.

[Brody]

The pitman arm puller that Mike used is the absolute best one to use. The other picture has the obvious weak points which is where it probably broke. I got a pitman arm puller like the picture that Mike posted from Advanced Auto I believe.

When you hit this with a hammer, you want to the driving force to be directly on the tightening nut, in line with the sector shaft itself. Tighten the puller, swat the nut a couple of times, tighten the puller, swat, repeat until blue in the face and your blood pressure spikes. Keep nailing it with PB Blaster every time. Eventually the thing will simply drop off. Heating the pitman arm itself on and off will also help loosen it. Just heat it where it attaches. Try not to breath burning PB Blaster, too....Oh....and remember to use some anti seize when you put it back together...just in case..

Another note: That puller is also used for some other stuff, not necessarily just pitman arms, so you may want to take a picture of that puller into Advanced, Checker, Auto Zone, Pep Boys, etc, and have them match the puller to the picture. It may not be listed as strictly a 'pitman arm puller' in their inventory....

[Hypoid]

where did you rent this one? I borrowed it from someone who brought it home from work. It had the arm off in less than a minute after getting it seated. No tense moments spent watching a puller load up and distort.

After using that one, everything else seems like a waste of time.

[Aaron]

Anyone have one of those cool ones Hypoid and Bronc have that I can borrow. I just broke my second crappy one....

Funny thing is. It doesn't seem to be leaking anymore. And its full of fluid.

[Hypoid]

If I had one I'd be over. :frown:

I did learn something while searching for that picture: It's called a "cup" style Pitman arm puller. It can't hurt to call the rental shops near you.

[southpaws3]

call raven power steering 3037776640 tell ed the medic sent you they have pullers,pitman arms,and can totally overhaul your steeringthey can port your gear box for hydro-steering overhaul the pump for increased flow to keep it running cool i know i've trashed mine and they did awesome work they are one of our vendors

[4runner freak]

Here are a couple cup pullers I found.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/219svf27w0L._SL500_AA300_.jpg
http://www.amazon.com/OTC-8149-Conical-Pitman-Puller/dp/B000I16PA0/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1271428572&sr=8-14

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31VyX9Ia8IL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
http://www.amazon.com/OTC-8150-Conical-Pitman-Puller/dp/B00061SMS0/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1271428624&sr=8-18