How do you know when it's time to change the steering box?

[johnnycharger]

Hi guys
Just because it is old? How do I know if I need to replace it? I can only compare the feel to my newer cars and they will never be the same. 

[Kern Dog]

Rick Ehrenberg has noted that most steering chucks are ready for a rebuild long before 100,000 miles. If you are looking for a more specific symptom, I'll suggest the following:

Excessive leaking
Excessive slop that cannot be adjusted out with the allen screw and locknut on the top side.
The sudden desire to want a tighter, more responsive feel.

He also states that the Rock Auto, O Riellys, Auto Zone, Advance , etc rebuilds are nothing more than cheap re-gasketed and resealed 50 years old stuff. No hard parts are changed. The guys at Firm Feel are the ones to call. They can take a loose feeling stock chuck and add their own springs and stuff to end up with a much better feeling steering gear. I have their Stage 3 version along with the Fast ratio pitman and idler arms. It is a great setup.

[johnnycharger]

Thanks! Mine isn't leaking much. I do want to go to a firm feel box just not yet. I have slop in the wheel I just don't know where the switch from normal to excessive is. I am guessing mine is borderline.

[Dino]

Before you check the box, check the column coupler for play.  Cheap fix when needed.  When the coupler is okay, then check the box for play.

[johnnycharger]

Good call on the coupler. I will check it first.