Steering box question...

[heyraver]

Hiya,

Could a steering box from a '99 S10 pickup 2WD, fit a '97 S10 Blazer 4WD?

[old_master]

Nope, 2WD and 4WD use different gear boxes and pitman arms.

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by heyraver

Hiya,

Could a steering box from a '99 S10 pickup 2WD, fit a '97 S10 Blazer 4WD?

rather than looking at plug in and if both have tilt wheel and cruise. i would call a parts store and see if the part number matches for both of them.
i never thought one was 4x4 and other 2 wheel drive. sorry

[heyraver]

oh well that's a shame to hear..
my steering wheel has so much play that i'm itching to fix it.

I called my local autozone and the so called 'parts experts' could not
provide me any information if they were interchangeable or not haha.

Has anyone ever switched to one of the zq8 steering boxes?

[old_master]

ZQ8 refers to an RPO code. The ZQ8 is a close ratio gear box and will bolt right in on a 4WD, but you'll need to use the pitman arm for a 4WD. Here's a thread that talks about it: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...&highlight=zq8

[heyraver]

very imformative thread, thank you.

I'm just curious if anyone ever actually installed one of these puppies..

also, i was looking at rebuilt boxes and they don't come with the pitman arm. how would i align the pitman arm to the box?

[old_master]

Most of the auto parts stores rent/loan pitman arm pullers. There are two ways that pitman arm shafts are keyed. Both styles have teeth on the gear box output shaft and on the pitman arm. Some have one locator key so the pitman arm can only be installed one way. Other gear box shafts have 4 locators and the pitman arm can be installed in any one of four positions. Before you remove the arm, make sure the gear box is centered, (steering straight ahead) then remove the arm, taking note on how it is oriented in relation to the gear box. Make sure the locator key(s) are the same on both output shafts, (both have one key, or both have 4 keys). If the output shafts are different, (one key or four) you'll need a new pitman arm that matches the replacement box. On the replacement gear box, make sure it is centered and the arm is oriented the same way that it was on the old gear box. Do not use air tools to tighten the pitman arm nut to the replacement box, it will damage the gears inside the box.

[Scrapper]

yes you can rent a pitman arm puller at autozone and when you take it back they give you your money back. heres how i do it i lock sterring then when you go to pull it off you may wana take a yellow piece of chalk to mark before you take it it only fits the spline on shaft one way some you can be 180 out so put pitan arm on and before you tighten it up make sure yellow chalk marks are inline before you tighten nut all the way.

[heyraver]

ahhhhhh, i see now..

I didn't notice the four keys on the box and pitman arm.

thanks for the replies

None of you guys ever installed the zq8 boxes though?
i'm curious to hear personal feedback on them.

[old_master]

If it has 4 keys, it will go on any of 4 ways. Be very careful and make sure the gear box is centered between the locks, (stops) and the steering wheel is centered. DO NOT allow the steering shaft to rotate if the steering shaft is disconnected from the gear box, it will destroy the clock spring inside the column.