Steering Gear Q: Do they leak (too)?

[Bronco648]

Ranger: 1985 regular cab, long bed.
Drivetrain: 2.8 V6 w/A4LD trans.

Situation: engine & tans. out of the truck. Power steering pump removed and is obviously leaking based on the fact that both pump, lines and mounting bracket are covered in fluid and grime (as is the steering gear - still in the truck).

I plan to replace the pump and lines but am wondering how to determine if the steering gear might also be leaking. If it is, I'm inclined to replace it with a manual steering box and do away with the power steering pump entirely.

So....

1 - Can the steering gear be checked for leaks? If so, how?

2 - Can I switch to a manual steering gear and do away with PS entirely?

TIA, Dave.

 

[Bronco648]

A little Googling results in posts indicating that they can leak. I'm inclined to replace the gear box with a manual one and be done with power steering. On the 2.8, the support bracket, for the pump, must weigh 25 lbs. and that's weight that's unnecessary, IMO.