Sonoma-How to change #3 spark plug the easy way

[nealneu]

Find the steering gear box. Remove the drivers side wheel and three bolts in wheel well that attach the steering housing to the frame. Take a pry bar against the frame and hold the steering shaft up through the wheel well in front of the shock tower. Use a swivel plug socket to replace the plug via the wheel well. Put it back together and your done!

[old_master]

Unbolting the steering gearbox opens you up for a problem with bump steer. Bump steer is caused by the center link not being level in the vehicle. Moving the gearbox and or idler arm up and down, directly affect bump steer and toe. If you're not having any problems with them, it's best to leave the gearbox alone. Here is a link to a much easier and safer way to do it: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=503231

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by old_master

Unbolting the steering gearbox opens you up for a problem with bump steer. Bump steer is caused by the center link not being level in the vehicle. Moving the gearbox and or idler arm up and down, directly affect bump steer and toe. If you're not having any problems with them, it's best to leave the gearbox alone. Here is a link to a much easier and safer way to do it: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=503231

Agreed on all points, this is the way I always do it.

[nealneu]

Thanks for the word of caution guys! I can't see the photos for some reason and when I first went to use the method you described, I did'nt realize until today that when going to adjust a little slack in the steering box, how easy it is to remove the air cleaner box to get to that plastic cover on the steering shaft. I just bought this 2000 4x4 PU. It needs ball joints, I think. uppers still have the rivets and all were squeeky dry when I went to grease. Had to heat on up a little to take grease.
What is a bump steer? Is that rubber flex flange connecting the box to the shaft?

I got lucky I guess. All works fine and did not create any issues.

This is a photo of my other 96 sonoma. Oh yea, I put a 51 Willys PU on the frame. did it all my self and it runs and rides like a champ.

[old_master]

Originally Posted by nealneu

What is a bump steer? Is that rubber flex flange connecting the box to the shaft?

Technical term for the vehicle changing direction without input from the steering gear box. Post #2 warns about it when removing the gear box. A google search for "bump steer" will go into great detail.