Steering Box replacement

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by the crumpets, Jan 20, 2013.

  1. I have a 79 converted camper used to be delivery van.

    I have got to replace my steering box as it has got a crack in it and is leaking fluid.

    Is this an item that is specific for the type of van or is it a case of as long as i find a RHD late bay steering box it will be a one for one swap.

    What is so special that makes them so dam expensive

    Thanks in advance
     
  2. Baysearcher

    Baysearcher [secret moderator]

    Think you just need to look for a late RHD box.
    The re-conditioned ones are crap. It's as if the innards have been replaced with cheese.
     
  3. rickyrooo1

    rickyrooo1 Hanging round like a bad smell

  4. Terrordales

    Terrordales Nightshift

  5. I hadn't seen that one, especially cheap without westfalia tax on it :))
     
  6. You're taking pot luck with a used box, but it's likely that it's still got life in. The recons are a generally a waste of money: there's not enough money in it to recondition them properly.

    get a used box, give it a good clean, fill it with fresh oil and give it a go. Easy to replace: pop the drag link balljoint off, undo the steering coupler bolts (new nyloks on reassembly, please) then undo the four mounting bolts. The box can be pulled through the frame with the drop arm attached. Adjust it properly, and you're sorted :).
     
  7. Got one for sale, came off a 73 RHD bus, I have never driven it but, did use it to steer the van originally when moving it around and it felt OK however, I cannot be sure as not an expert, if you can use it and your interested and I will put picture up.

    yorkieman
     
  8. Picture would be good for anyone else interested, or PM me.
     
  9. Below is the picture of my RHD steering box with arm attached if your interested, if not I will put it on the for sale section.

    [​IMG]


    Yorkieman
     
  10. Is that an early cast one? 71 to 73?
     
  11. Why is every thing so complicated with the years. Why couldnt they just have an e a r l y and a late. Did they not realise how popular their vans would be and not need to use up the parts mixing and matching.
    will this not fit my 79 van then, i have been pm-ing yorkieman and i dont want to mess them around
     
  12. That box will fit a late bay :) Put simply the usual prototype bay box is cast iron as against the alloy of the late and is a different shape.
     
  13. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Early:
    [​IMG]
     
  14. Once again thanks for everyones help and advice. It is appreciated.
     
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  17. I've informed the seller on eBay that he has a LHD box there.
     
  18. As the drop arm has "L" and "R" markings, might be that the boxes are both LHS and RHS, just installed with the drop arm in a different position. Zed would know.
     

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