Power Steering Gear Rebuild

[BigBlue71]

How difficult is it to rebuild the powersteering gear on my 71 F100 4x2? I see they have the seal kit on LMC Truck for $59 bucks... vs spending $199 for a new steering gear (w/$75 Core refund if rebuildable). Do you know of any better deals on the kits / complete gear?

My gear is not frozen and works find with exception of horrible leak in lower seal.

Would love to know if anyone has rebuilt successfully and approximate level of technical difficulty.

Thanks!

[BigBlue71]

Ok... found an old thread on the matter...

http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... ar+rebuild

If I go the Junkyard route... for a power steering gear... what years/models would be donor candidates.

Thanks

[fordman]

69-79. but you must use your pitman arm if the pitman arm that is on the junkyard one is the wrong year. in 1971 at serial number M00,000 for dmade a swap fromt he old C9ta pitman arm to the new D2ta pitman arm. you will want to use the correct pitman arm for your truck. the numbers on your pitman arm are very readable so there wont be any way to confuse the numbers.

[70_F100]

When I replaced mine, I went to Advance Auto and got a Cardone rebuilt unit.

Lifetime warranty, about $139.

I've rebuilt many of these units before, and generally you'll find the lower end of the pitman shaft pitted enough from rust that the seals will be leaking again in a couple of years.

No way would I rebuild another one for what a Cardone unit costs, and if you go junkyard, you stand a good chance of getting someone else's leaking box.