Saginaw box rebuild recommendations

[heep70]

I need to find some that can rebuild my Saginaw P/S box here in Washington. I don't have the time, to many other projects going. Any recommendations?

[hardtailjohn]

I don't know anyone in WA, but I've talked to people that have had straightline steering in CA do work for them, and they were all happy with them! I'm planning on sending a steering gear off my '65 KW down there...
John H.

www.straightlinesteering.com

[willowbilly3]

Greg, I have rebuilt several of those over the years and the big problem is the pitman shaft bushing, or lack of one. It is just machined into the case and there is nothing to replace when it gets worn. I am not sure how other rebuilders deal with this. Machining it out for a replacable bushing or better yet a caged torrington bearing like Chevy uses, would be best. Some of the rebuild kits I have used from Ford, include a thick washer (about 1/4 inch) that goes into the seal stack on the pitman and acts as a bushing. It will tighten the side play up in the pitman, but for how long when you now have 1/4 inch of bushing surface where there was about 1 1 1/2 inches before? Since I now live where I can find all of them I want for little or nothing, I just go through several to pick the best one. I threw 2 good ones away last week.

[Faithful Old Road Dog]

I had my 78 p/s box rebuilt at Straightline. Can't say if they did a good job or not because I have yet to mount that box. They're not too far from where I live (40 + miles). The cost for that was about $300, plus shipping.

[heep70]

The bushing is what went bad in mine. Two years ago I ordered a rebuild kit and it came without the bushings. It had a notice in the box stating the bushings are not available.

One of the other reasons I want to get mine rebuilt was that I had some mill work done on it to help ease the conversion into my 4x4.

I guess if worse comes to worse I will order a remanned one and have it machined.

I want to, if I can, stay away from the boneyard ones. The one I am running now was bought out of a yard used. I run a locker up front and believe that might have finished this one off.

[kentdaryl]

Greg,
Redhead steering in north Seattle is where I bought my rebuilt box from. They've been in business a long time and guarantee their stuff. Seems to me it cost me about $250 or so.
Daryl

[heep70]

I will check them out. Thanks Daryl

[hardtailjohn]

Let us know what ya find out please, Greg!
John H.

[willowbilly3]

I think I would find out how the rebuilder deals with the pitman shaft bushing issue. The only correct fix would be if they machine out the housing for a new bushing, or have an over sized pitman shaft that they ream the housing to fit. I am sure the 1/4 inch thick bushing would last the warranty period, but beyond that I wouldn't bet on it long term, especially since yours takes more stress. Also modifying it for an application other than intended would probably void any warranty anyway.

[heep70]

Ya, your right on the modifying. Basically, it is drilling out the mounting holes and spot facing them so nuts and washers sit flat. It doesn't effect the working parts any, but changes how it bolts to the frame and what rig it is on now. I am sure that would be a good excuse for them to void the warranty.

Well, I have to get it fixed what ever which way I can. It will be a month or a bit more before that fix works it's way to the top of the list to get done. In the mean time I will collect some thoughts and do some calling.


Thanks for the input, anymore will be appreciated.

[heep70]

Well I finally took my steering gearbox into Red-head Steering Gears in north seattle (thanks for the tip Daryl). Being my box is modified I decided to get it rebuilt instead of buying one already built. I would had got nailed for a core charge and I didn't want to get another box modified. But anyway, He said it will take around three weeks before I get it back. Thats cool, I have other things that need to be fixed. It will run $225 plus tax and they mill out the old bushing surface and install a bearing. They also update the relief valve to one that is better. I am already excited to get it back. I haven't driven my truck for two months now.

[dcbullet]

Let us know how they did when you get it back.

[willowbilly3]

Also could you get a part number on that bearing. I want to get mine rebushed too. I can do the rest myself.

[heep70]

Also could you get a part number on that bearing. I want to get mine rebushed too. I can do the rest myself.

Yea, I will get it. You got a mill?

[Faithful Old Road Dog]

So now we know!

$225 for all that? That sounds like a sweet deal!