Power Steering Box in my Dads 74 Barracuda, replace seal or...??

[wally426ci]

Is there a way to replace the shaft seal where the Pitman arm attaches? or should i be shopping for a new replacement...? Would they have this at Autozone or some place?

  <-- BTW, I dont like the Angry eyebrows on this guy......

[Chryco Psycho]

you can replace the seal , thread in a couple of drywall screws , pull the seal or it is a great excuse to upgrade to a Firm Feel unit

[Bullitt-]

The part is available through most parts houses...Here's NAPAs
P/S Gear Pitman Shaft Lower Seal Kit

  Item#: NPS7210

Price: $12.49
 

http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=NPS&PartNumber=7210&Description=Power+Steering+Gear+Pitman+Shaft+Lower+Seal+Kit

Looks like the same part at Auto Zone
http://www.autozone.com/R,2129341/vehicleId,1406802/initialAction,partProductDetail/store,31/partType,01847/shopping/partProductDetail.htm

[quagmire]

My personal favorite way of doing these seals is to first remove the pitman arm and snap ring, then start the car and turn the wheels to the locks a couple of times.  The pressure should blow the seal right out of the box for you.  Just make sure you put a drain pan under it.....

[Ford.P51]

If you decide to shop for a replacement gearbox, maybe this will help. I replaced the power gearbox on our 72 Challenger last weekend using unit purchased from Napa. It was a perfect match and went in fairly easily. The only trouble I had was there was too much paint on the shaft that the steering column slides onto, I had to remove some of the paint to get the splines to go all the way on. At the time Advance auto and Autozone listed a part on their websites but could not order one, their supply was empty.

[wally426ci]

Sweet! do i have options. How much did the Napa box cost? How about the Firm Feel unit cost wise? 

[Ford.P51]

If I recall correctly the Napa unit was $145 with shipping plus a $75 core charge. Its a rebuilt box.

The steering is now fantastic on the car, not only did it fix the leaks, but there is no play in the wheel at all. I was very pleased.

[wally426ci]

Hmmmm..... I think I may go this route possibly. I owe hime for helping me so many times anyway..

What about Rack & Pinion steering? has anyone converted to that? 

[RaptorF229]

I ordered the firmfeel unit this week. 375 for the box and 175 core.

[Chryco Psycho]

doing rack & pinion is involved , if you go rear steer as per factory you have oil pan clearance issues so the rack needs to sit lower , if you go to front steer the you need a different spindle & I have yet to find a good one , in both cases generally you need to go to a tubular K frame as well unless you make some strong brackets off the factory K for rear steer, you will also need to modify the steering column to get enough flex to get to a rear or front steer rack

[wally426ci]

Ahh screw that, he hasnt driven the car in almost 2 years anyway.... 

Thanks Chryco, you da man.

I saw a conversion from some place for $1400 but i suppose its more involved...