replacing a steering gear box
 

my buddy has a 72 GMC truck that needs the steering gear box replaced. are there any special tools or techniques to replacing this thing?

Re: replacing a steering gear box
 

a good puller for removing the pitman arm and make sure when installing pitman arm the box is centered(same#of turn to right and to the left)

Re: replacing a steering gear box
 

x2

Re: replacing a steering gear box
 

My experience with pulling pitman arms has not been good. Broke a cheap puller and a good puller. IMO, If it seems that it won't come off, I would heat the old one with a torch to give it some help get it off it. After you heat it, keep your welding gloves on and put the puller on it. It will pop right off. (I assume you have access to an oxy-acetylene rig). A propane torch will also work, just slower at heating it up.

Re: replacing a steering gear box
 

Buy a new rag joint while you have it apart.
the pitman arm puller can be loaned out from auto zone or other stores that loan tool.

Re: replacing a steering gear box
 

to properly use a puller you tighten it up to get tension on the part being removed then you take a hammer and smack straight down on the central bolt of the puller to relieve the tension then you tighten it again for more tension and smack it again keep repeating these steps and you wont be one of those people the destroys a perfectly good tool by improper usage

Re: replacing a steering gear box
 

I agree with the above. I have a cheapo puller that has been used countless times on jet ski flywheels, harmonic balancers,steering wheels, etc. Tighten it up, smack it with a hammer, repeat until it pops off.