I recently figured out on my 81 that the reason my 33's were nearly impossible to turn was that my steering box was dry as a bone. So I put 80/90 gear oil in it, and it steers like a dream now compared to what it was. However after a week or two, I now see why it was empty in the first place. All my gear oil is leaking out somewhere around the pitman arm, onto my front leafs. Also making pretty patterns on the bosses parking lot. My question is, is there some sort of seal where the pitman arm goes into the box? An o ring or something. If so, where does one get the rebuild kit for it. Another thing I thought about was putting some of that shock proof redline stuff you guys run which is like 300 weight or something isnt it? Or would that make it tough to steer again. I never cared when my 30 x 9.50's where on there, but now it is more on an issue. Hehe maybe I just need to hit the gym and do some benchpressing/curls :flipoff2:

there are kits out there, but for the time and $ you can probably grab another box for 20$.
sorry if that aint much help but that is what i'd do if i wasnt already crossed over

:( and where may I find such a box for 20???

If he is refering to grabbing another box as in just getting one from someone used..I disagree...

From my experience, all these manual boxes start to leak eventually. If yu get another one form someone used and not rebuilt your just gonna be getting the same thing all over.

If I was you I would get a rebuild kit. Im sorry to say that I do not know where you can get one but I know they exist.

I would start with a local auto parts store, maybe try Toyota... They might sell one or know someone who will.

Anyway, try posting again and just ask where to get a rebuild kit for a manual box.

Good luck!

Originally posted by 81hilux
:( and where may I find such a box for 20???

<FONT COLOR="Red"> It shouldn't be too hard to find. I sold mine for $10 after I did a power steering swap... you might try an add in the "wanted" section.

Better yet, why not just do the power steering swap? You will be glad you did with the bigger tires. </FONT c>

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<img src="http://www.lanset.com/ecvslick/wayslicker1.jpg" border="0" alt=""><FONT COLOR="Black">.</FONT c><FONT COLOR="Red">Slick</FONT c> - 83' bobbed & lockt posuer-mall rig & held together w/numerous <FONT COLOR="Red">Clamps...</FONT c><img src="http://www.lanset.com/ecvslick/slick.gif" border="0" alt="">

I have a manual box off my 80 if you want it $20 plus shipping.
I'd have to check what shape its in, but I know it wasnt covered in oil when I pulled it out.

The first week I had the truck, i did the power steering swap.
Glad I did too, what a difference.
I agree with everyone else, get a power steering box and do the swap. Its basically bolt in. Only thing I had to modify was to drill three holes in the inner fender to mount the reservoir.

You'll have to reuse the original box mount if you get a box from an 84-88. the 84-88 mounts wont fit the bolt pattern in the framerail, but the boxes will bolt to either mount fine.

I also used hoses, pump, idler bracket and pump bracket from an 86 IFS p/u. Box was from an 85 'runner. Reservoir was the only thing that should come from a 80-83, although you could make a later reservoir work with some mods.....

Oh yeah, make sure your head has the bolt holes for the pump bracket. I heard 20R's and some early 22R'S do NOT HAVE the bosses for the bracket.

Do a power steering swap. Your arms will love you especally when you get to be my age!!!!!!:eek: :usa: :D

I'd give you mine for free (+ shipping of course:D) if anyone had an ifs box and a crossover steering laying around.


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chicks dig the muscles of 33's and manual steering :D

yeah i'm gonna convert to synthetics in my steering box :rolleyes: