Moving steering box out of the way or drop it?

Shinoda · Feb 3, 2018

I need to move the steering box out of the way on my 93 2wd Ranger. I have a 302 in it and need to replace the oil filter relocation adapter. I've never messed with the steering box so I'm looking for advice. What is the best way to gain the clearance I need? Will it need to come completely out? Tips or tricks? I tried searching for videos but didn't have any luck.

bobbywalter · Feb 3, 2018

unbolt engine mounts and jack the engine up.

if it has plate mounts it will be easiest. watch all clearances and make sure your not ripping hoses and wires or crushing shit. if it has car or vmounts it will be a wresting match to remount with everything hooked up but doable...take your time and dont cross thread anything...

other then that dropping the box down is doable, if it is really clean, pulling the 3 mount bolts and maybe the steering shaft will let it sag down enough to gain clearance. should be enough to swap out the adapter. not sure what style you have that it is not changeable with the box in. but I specifically place the engine and use flat 90 adapters just for that reason.

seen boxes become loose wreck bolts and fail and ect from having dirt in there on reassembly... if you drop the box re torque a few times to make sure it is behaving...usually they are fine.

I prefer this style adapter for the 302... https://www.summitracing.com/parts/prm-3791/overview/make/ford

Shinoda · Feb 3, 2018

bobbywalter said:
unbolt engine mounts and jack the engine up.

if it has plate mounts it will be easiest. watch all clearances and make sure your not ripping hoses and wires or crushing shit. if it has car or vmounts it will be a wresting match to remount with everything hooked up but doable...take your time and dont cross thread anything...

other then that dropping the box down is doable, if it is really clean, pulling the 3 mount bolts and maybe the steering shaft will let it sag down enough to gain clearance. should be enough to swap out the adapter. not sure what style you have that it is not changeable with the box in. but I specifically place the engine and use flat 90 adapters just for that reason.

seen boxes become loose wreck bolts and fail and ect from having dirt in there on reassembly... if you drop the box re torque a few times to make sure it is behaving...usually they are fine.

I prefer this style adapter for the 302... https://www.summitracing.com/parts/prm-3791/overview/make/ford

Thanks. Where is a good place to jack the motor up at? I don't have a cherry picker at this house, unfortunately.

I'm using that style adapter but I have no room to get the hoses off, my motor sits down and really far back.

bobbywalter · Feb 4, 2018

block of wood between jack and pan....on the front sump if possible.

Shran · Feb 6, 2018

I would almost rather pull the steering box on mine if I had to do that... I don't think I have enough clearance at the firewall to get the engine jacked up high enough.

Putting a steering box in with nothing attached to it is a pain by itself, let alone with steering linkage, hoses, and column hooked up.

Moving steering box out of the way or drop it?

Shinoda

New Member

bobbywalter

TRS Technical Staff

Shinoda

New Member

bobbywalter

TRS Technical Staff

Shran

Junk Collector

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