First Crash in Simi Valley of 2009!

[1987rangerxlt]

Gear Box

I went back to the auto parts store with the power steering pump and exchanged it for a gear box. It was $90 more than the power steering pump.

I'm pretty sure that is the problem because I can see the shiny splines of the gear. I hope they give me my $90 core charge back.

Do you think it could be something else? The man at the parts store said he was ASE certified and if I could see shiny parts that was definitely it on the steering problem.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

I bought a gear box.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Gear Box

I wonder if I could have just pounded it back in.

I think I'll try that.

 

[Jspafford]

I posted in the "Wanted" section here on the ranger station for the fender, grill, and a screw to adjust the headlight.

I'm almost complete.

Nevermind

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Bleeding the system

Do you think I should bleed the system before I replace the box? I found a sheet of paper in the box that talks about bleeding the system but if I bleed it first before I even start then no contaminants can get in for sure.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Do you think I should bleed the system before I replace the box? I found a sheet of paper in the box that talks about bleeding the system but if I bleed it first before I even start then no contaminants can get in for sure.

What do you think? Anyone? Anyone?

 

[Tedybear]

You'll have to bleed out the system to remove any air pockets. Can't be done until the parts are replaced and the system is 'sealed' again. You can of course bleed/drain it first to ensure total fluid replacement. (local shops are now offering that as a service, power steering fluid flush and refill), but you'll still wind up bleeding out any air pockets when the repairs are complete.

S-

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Repair Manual

The instructions that come with the part say "...urged to refer to a suitable service manual before attempting to make repairs."

I can't find the Ranger manual and I decided to look in a Dodge Aries manual I had laying around. It says there to raise the vehicle but since the Ranger is high enough off the ground, do I really reed to raise it if I just make sure the wheels are straight ahead before I start the job?

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Today Was the Day

I am running out of time. I did a last ditch attempt at finding the manual but no such luck.

I decided to spray the part with the cleaner and wire brush it so I could see a little better.

It doesn't look so tough. Any thoughts on having to jack it up or can I do the job with it on the ground and the wheels straight ahead?

I'm off to get some new hoses. There appear to be only two, pressure and return. It looks like a special tool is required to remove one of the hoses, what's that kind of socket called and what size is it?

Is there a fluid filter?

 

[Psychopete]

What are you trying to replace? If it's the steering box, I am not sure on a 4WD. I've had mine off on my 2WD, but the engine was out at that time. I recall having to separate the drag link from the box, 3 bolts through the frame (access from drivers side wheel well), hoses, and the connection to the steering wheel.

You're probably going to want to jack it up for room to work. Jack stands would be a good call on this one..

I don't remember having to use anything but a line wrench. It's been a long time since I had it out, so it's really kind of foggy.

Pete

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Line Wrench

I'll go pick up a line wrench and get started then.

Yesterday was hell without a car. I thought public transportation was going to be okay but I decided not to wait for the bus and tried to ride my bike. It was like 15 miles and a hill was in there.

 

[RangerJustin]

What hill was it?

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Simi Valley

I see you're in Simi too.

It was the Santa Susana pass road. Only one or two cars passed me and there was some sort of dust in the air making it hard to breathe. The first car slowed at the beginning of my climb and I should have stuck my thumb out but what are the chances of people stopping these days? It was kind of scary. Some wild animal might have attacked me. But I guess they've all been killed off by the lack of water.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Line Wrench

I bought the line wrench but it doesn't help because there is some sort of shield covering the rear of the gear box and has a hole for the return line to go through. How do I get my wrench on that nut without cutting the cover off?

 

[RangerJustin]

You rode that! You are crazy man! I actually was going to ride up the first part to get to Rocky Peak for some MTBing down Hummingbird. Got almost to Box Canyon and said F that! haha