steering box problems!!!
 

I just replaced the rag joint on my blazer, and was trying to line it up to bolt to the frame, when it refused to turn. I don't have the steering shaft hooked up yet, so that can't be it. What could cause it to suddenly bind up? I was LIGHTLY tapping the coupler on with a rubber mallet, so I wouldn't think that I damaged anything in the box. Any ideas?

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1972 blazer4x4, 350/350, factory a/c

Power? manual? What was the reason for replacing rag joint? Was it torn? Did the steering have excessive play?

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1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi

Power, I replaced the rag joint because there was alot of slop. The upper steering shaft was hitting the stop rivets on right-had turns.

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1972 blazer4x4, 350/350, factory a/c

Can't do much from here but that box may have been worn out enough so that tap on the stub shaft may have kick out one or more of the 17 steel balls in the rack-piston. Without a overhaul manual I wouldn't attempt to repair it. If that box locks up going down the road, well, need I say? Go ahead and open it up and take a look see, but I would look for another one new or used.

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1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi

Gordo,
Thanks for the $$ advice! I was hoping that wasn't the case, but maybe it is. I don't know anything about steering boxes, so I would probably buy a rebuilt one. (This one leaks a little anyhow). I think I'll take off the joint, and see if it steers, maybe, by some freak chance, I have the joint rubbing on the case. (I hope so!). It was too late last night to try.

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1972 blazer4x4, 350/350, factory a/c

Cool! Maybe you'll get lucky tonight! (With the truck of course)

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1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi