Steering gear leaking heavily

[shortbedCUSTOM]

On my way home from work last night I started to notice a whining but really couldn't confirm doing 75mph on the highway. Once I got on the city streets it was evident that it was the power steering. About 3 miles from home it got really loud and steering got noticeably harder. Got home, checked it and it was completely dry. I refilled it and it sat in the driveway for about 45mins while I had dinner. Went out after and the fluid spot on the driveway was larger than a basketball. Reservoir was emptied by at least a 1/4. I got under it and could clearly tell where it is leaking from. It's coming out the bottom of the gear box where the pitman arm bolts. I took a pic but can't seem to get it to upload.

My questions are: Can this be serviced or is it shot? Is this something that someone with a better than average mechanical ability can tackle.

[Ranchero50]

PS gearboxes are pretty difficult to repair. Sounds like the pitman shaft is loose and needs bearings etc. I'd try to find another.

[shortbedCUSTOM]

Finding one is gonna be near impossible around here!

[Ranchero50]

They were the same up through the late 70's if you have a Saginaw. I need a new one for too much play myself. Red head sells them but they are salty.

[shortbedCUSTOM]

Ballpark price from Redhead?

[Canonman67]

I installed new seals in mine and it wasn't too difficult. The kit was only $20 if I remember correctly. You might give it a shot before spending $100s on a new box.

[shortbedCUSTOM]

I'll do anything to save hundreds! Any chance there's a tutorial on here or somewhere else?

[Canonman67]

Yes there is. I'm at work right now but I'll post a link when I get up this afternoon. I also have it as a PDF if you want to pm me an email address.

[Canonman67]

Here's the thread I used. http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/10469 ... build.html

[shortbedCUSTOM]

Great, thanks.

[shortbedCUSTOM]

Ok, I think I'm going to attempt to rebuild this thing this weekend. Unfortunately, I'm having trouble finding the rebuilding kit. For some reason the kids behind the counter of the auto parts stores don't know what I'm talking abou . Where can I source said kit?

[BobbyFord]

You can replace the pitman shaft seals without removing the gear. Pull the pitman arm off, remove the circlip, carefully drill a small hole in the seal, insert a screw into the hole and pull the seal out. There are two seals in there.

[Canonman67]

Ok, I think I'm going to attempt to rebuild this thing this weekend. Unfortunately, I'm having trouble finding the rebuilding kit. For some reason the kids behind the counter of the auto parts stores don't know what I'm talking abou . Where can I source said kit?

I got mine from RockAuto http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford ... l+kit,7403

[shortbedCUSTOM]

That kit doesn't show the bearing.

[Canonman67]

Yeah, it's just a seal kit. I think they list bearings too but I can't swear to it.