1999 Dodge Ram Truck (4x2) Steering Box Seals

IIrc it's not a big deal if you have a puller to remove the pitman are. I
would mark everything before your take it off.

Also, I believe there is a preload issue to deal with as well. I think your
FSM would address that. Or perhaps others here will jump in.

IIRC, that seal is a two piece PITA that for the most part requires special
tools to properly remove and install.  First there is the outer grease seal
that you see and under that is a snap ring, backup washer, and then the
actual seal.  One way to get it off is to remove the pitman arm, pry out the
grease seal, remove the snap ring and backup washer, then put a catch pan
under the gear, start the engine and turn the steering wheel all the way to
the left.  That should cause the pressure in the gear to push the seal out
but putting the new one back in still requires special tools to reinstall
it.  You could attempt to drive the new one back in with a large deep socket
but it could crimp it.  Then there is the reason as to why it failed to
begin with.  If the sector shaft is pitted, the new seal won't last long
either.  Your best and easiest bet is simply to replace the steering gear.

--
If at first you don't succeed,  you're not cut out for skydiving

Thank you both for your answers.  I've worked with hydraulic equipment
before and it can be a pain, especially if you don't have the special
tools.  And like Tbone said, what made the seal go bad to begin with?
I've never had a seal on a steering box in all my years of driving.  I
do have a pitman arm remover (I've replaced the pitman arm on this
truck) so, although I've never replaced a steering box, I shouldn't have
a problem replacing the box.

Again, my thanks for you both taking the trouble to write.

Sincerely,

Dave Young




Dave Young wrote: