Power Steering/Yolk question

[73cudabr]

Hi Team,

This is my first mechanical post. I'm learning as I go as I've never worked on cars before, so I apologize in advance for getting anything wrong. First thing is that my Power steering leaks everywhere. My chassis is caked in fluid. I usually have to top it off every week and a half. Is it better to pull that and have it rebuilt, or are there reputable places I can buy one new for my year car? (73 Cuda, 340 original, with after market 440 installed)

Secondly I had have it towed this weekend due to my u joint failing. Replaced the rear but upon inspection of the slip yolk it appears pitted and should likely be replaced. Can those be purchased new? Or do I have to hunt for a used yolk somewhere? My Mechanically inclined friend is helping track one down, however with the 70 degree weather I"m tempted to bolt the drive shaft back up and go.

Bonus question - I have the original AC that came with the car but it's not installed. In your experience should I go aftermarket AC, or take a leap of faith with the one I have. I have no idea how to test it other than just having it installed.

Thank you.

[dfrazz]

Assuming it is your steering box leaking (not the pump or loose connections or split lines) you will at a minimum have it rebuilt with new o rings etc.  However, based on your budget, now would be a great opportunity to have a new Stage III box ordered from FirmFeel.  http://firmfeel.com/e_body_mopar_power_steering_box_rebuild.html   If you have headers, removing your box is a challenge.  You will have to loosen and disconnect the steering column, remove the motor mounts (at least on the drivers side), jack up the motor and loosen or remove the header, disconnect the lines from the pump, and cuss and swear while pulling the box out.

For your yolk - the fact that your u-joint failed is a good indication that the yolk needs to be replaced,  Contact Dave at Roseville or usually a local Napa store can get them.

AC - I believe in rolling the windows down for AC, but if you are in a high temp/humid area I would try your current AC compressor first to see if it works before opting for an aftermarket one.  The cost alone will be well worth it.

[73cudabr]

Assuming it is your steering box leaking (not the pump or loose connections or split lines) you will at a minimum have it rebuilt with new o rings etc.  However, based on your budget, now would be a great opportunity to have a new Stage III box ordered from FirmFeel.  http://firmfeel.com/e_body_mopar_power_steering_box_rebuild.html   If you have headers, removing your box is a challenge.  You will have to loosen and disconnect the steering column, remove the motor mounts (at least on the drivers side), jack up the motor and loosen or remove the header, disconnect the lines from the pump, and cuss and swear while pulling the box out.

For your yolk - the fact that your u-joint failed is a good indication that the yolk needs to be replaced,  Contact Dave at Roseville or usually a local Napa store can get them.

AC - I believe in rolling the windows down for AC, but if you are in a high temp/humid area I would try your current AC compressor first to see if it works before opting for an aftermarket one.  The cost alone will be well worth it.

Thanks for the advice/quick reply. I'll check on the source of the leak and report back. I have not been a big fan of the steering and an upgrade like that would be within budget if it will enhance the drive-ability. Sounds like something I should wait on for when the motor gets pulled for a refresh. I'd like to set a 12-15 month goal to have it pulled and rebuilt with plans to add some horses to enjoy.

I didn't think anyplace local would have them in stock for a 727 trans. I will bring it there today and see what they say. Id love to have it back on the road soon. With gas this cheap, they're almost paying me to drive!

I'd prefer to roll the the windows down, but most of NC summer is 95 degree's or more. Having driven vehicles with no AC before, I usually have to bring a spare set of clothes to change into when I get to my destination.

[Chryco Psycho]

3 plaes to look for the leak , Steering box , steering pump & the hoses between the 2 ,, Hoses are easy , the steering pump an be easily resealed with a $10 Omega seal kit , steering box is the worse case scenerio  I would think about an up grade from Firm Feel or Steer & Gear
 How complete is the A/C system ? You may need a lot of parts to make it work

[73_Cuda_4_Me]

If you are replacing the yoke, make sure you check the tranny output (extension housing) shaft bushing, too.... ask me how I know... LOL

 

[mopar jack]

If the drive shaft came out from the car while driving you may want to check the transmission over running clutch.

[73cudabr]

Thanks for the feed back guys! The drive shaft did not come out while driving. Just a lot of vibration. Good advice about the the trans output. I'll put on eyes on it. Not sure what all is with the AC. I'll take a pic and post it in the correct part of the forum. I have a bin of goodies that are a part of it, condenser, pump, and some other misc things.

Appreciate the help, hopefully Saturday morning I can be mobile again. Also whats a thread without pics

Anyone want to earn some money and do some sheet metal work behind the 440 decal??

[73cudabr]

Assuming it is your steering box leaking (not the pump or loose connections or split lines) you will at a minimum have it rebuilt with new o rings etc.  However, based on your budget, now would be a great opportunity to have a new Stage III box ordered from FirmFeel.  http://firmfeel.com/e_body_mopar_power_steering_box_rebuild.html 

So it is my steering box leaking. Whats specific advantages will I have from ordering this as opposed to re-sealing the original? I'll do some forum searches too, maybe my answer will be out there already.

[dfrazz]

So it is my steering box leaking. Whats specific advantages will I have from ordering this as opposed to re-sealing the original? I'll do some forum searches too, maybe my answer will be out there already.

A rebuilt box with much tighter steering.  Everyone who has ordered a Stage III loves it!