Steering problem- ??

[al's71gmc]

OK, my problem started a couple of months ago. I blew the hi pressure hose on my 71 4x4. I was in the middle of nowhere and drove about 20 miles without fluid, but with almost no turns. I replaced the line and all was fine. But about a week or so later, my steering starts messing up. It developed a "dead spot" for lack of better description. When I turn sharp I have about 1/2 turn of nothing. I also have a drastically reduced steering radious, and some bad sounding "thumps" when turning thru the dead spot.
I'm leaning torward the gearbox being bad, but I hate to replace parts without knowing whats wrong first. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[JimKshortstep4x4]

The steering box sounds suspect but before condemning it I would suggest checking some things. Make sure the box bolts are tight, check the belt to make sure it is tight, and check the spring, spring eye bushings for movement.

I have not experienced a box making "thumps"!

Good luck!

Jim

[al's71gmc]

Jim, Are you talking about the belt on the pump? The pump seems to work fine. I'm looking at the gearbox mounted to the left frame rail. Where is the spring and bushing?

A little more description on the problem. The steering wheel shifts it's alignment when it goes thru the deadspot. When the shift occurs it makes some pretty loud thumping noises. Then the wheel works like normal except the straight ahead position is different. When I back up and turn it will shift back and go back thru the DS again. Sometimes the shift will occur when I hit a bump in the road, which basically throws the truck to the side of the road. It feels like the gears are slipping in the gearbox.

[LockDoc]

al,

Sounds to me like you have something broken inside the gearbox. I dont think I would drive it until you get it checked out or replaced. Next time it may not come out of it and you will be in the ditch, or worse, into oncoming traffic.....

Just my 2¢

LockDoc

[JimKshortstep4x4]

Al,

Have someone turn the wheel while you watch the axle and springs for movement. Your description is starting to sound like you have a broken leaf spring. If the leaf spring breaks it will allow the axle to move which shifts the center of your steering.

Jim

[jku72]

These boxes are worm and roller units. While it could be some broken suspension part, it could also be a failing steering box. I had one of these acting a little like that, then one day one of the roller balls got jammed, and the truck would not steer anymore at all. Strait into the ditch. I was lucky I was on a dirt road making a sharp turn at slow speed. If this happens at speed there is a high chance of death and destruction.

[68C15]

what you have is a damaged spool valve and recirculating ball steup in the box. this is a dangerous condition as stated above. the fliud acts as a lubricant, but only if it is there.
get a reman box NOW!!

[al's71gmc]

Thanks guys. It's hard to park it, cause it's my DD. But the idea of losing steering on the way to work at 75mph would be REAL hard to take. I'll check the spring, but they are only about a year and 10k miles old. I've got a 3/4 T 2wd frame with steering box, but the output shaft is a little different. Either way, when I leave work this morning, I'm going to park it til it's fixed. I guess I can drive my wifes fo%# for a few days!