V8 S10 Power Steering Gearbox Replacement (Ep.13)

[@PileggisGarage]

Wow, I never quite realized how tight that engine is in there until you showed the close ups of the box from the top. Mad respect for you

[@CAF51]

The comment about how you had gotten used to the terrible steering feel reminded me of something taught in our aviation mechanic classes. It's called "The Normalization of Deviance" and is spoken often when talking about the Challenger disaster. Even if there is something completely unsafe and dangerous, the constant lack of bad outcomes trains you to ignore it completely.

[@timothyambre831]

Just rewatching this series. I especially like all the little details that many times get skipped. Like the demonstration of the slop in the old steering box compared to the reman. one.

[@chungaleta1234]

I really like the way you make your vids. And the bloopers are the end are genius!!!

[@hasbeengood]

I also had wander on my car and I finally found that the rag joint, even if it was apparently solid, was dry and compressed quite a lot. I took the steering coupler shaft out and machined some aircraft grade aluminum with graded aircraft bolts, some blue loctite and made the whole thing solid. Now, the car is very nice to drive. Don't under estimate that rag joint!

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Interesting! Mine doesn't seem to compress at all (watching it while the wheel is turned, parked) but all the more encouragement to try upgrading the shaft, thanks for the info!

[@hasbeengood]

I have 285/40/17 and you have pretty big tires as well. The amount of grip generated by such a larger tire is huge compared to the pseudo stiffness of the rag joint. I had a hard time diagnosing it cause it was so hard to see/feel/duplicate. Try it.... bet you a can of Sprite! LOL

[@orrprosegaming7851]

@@hasbeengood guess you owe him a can of sprite now

[@MooseLord.]

Another great video, man! Thanks for taking a look at steering, that's something I'd like to improve on my wife's Chevy Tracker.

[@turdferguson9018]

Excellent video series, well done sir.

[@maniacaloffroad5338]

I know this is an old project but I wanted to let you know how I handle bump steer on my bogger without going to hydraulic steering. I use the steering shaft out of a Chevy van. They have a U-Joint type connection that allows for more clearance options and you can melt the plastic injections that hold the slide pieces together if needed to gain an inch. Eliminating the rag joint all together is my first step and there are a lot of ways online to do that. If that doesn't help, a steering dampner (a single should be fine for your application).

[@gogilmaper6557]

The steering on my 1992 S10 was squirrely for two years even after I replaced all the tie rods, bushings and ball joints. It just felt like it was over steering and constant correction. It felt like I was sitting right on top of the wheels. Like steering a unicycle. It turned out my caster was too steep. After studying Google, I realized that S10’s work great with maximum caster. I took all the shims out of the back and put them in the front. (or was it the other way around?). It works something like the rake on motorcycle forks. You can imagine how more makes it settle down and roll straight. Now it wants to stay centered. The steerability is still just fine. It’s a pickup truck after all, not a roadster. I can’t believe I struggled with the steering for so long. Now I feel like I don’t really need to have my hands on the wheel until I need to turn.

[@jhuntosgarage]

I'm sure the automotive industry can count on a certain percentage for the changing of parts for piece of mind. Thanks for sharing.

[@harleyguyinmilw]

LOVE Rock Auto, they are a great source for high quality affordable parts. They've saved me over $500.00 just on exhaust manifolds alone for my 6.0 gas chevy truck

[@jakegardiner6304]

doing this on my 88 s10 pick up and can’t say that i’m looking forward to it. this video helped a lot though

[@drewdickens5774]

Just found your vid im commenting at 2 am really binged watched the s10 serious and really cant wait for more. You should defanitly open a patreon or somthing and baby the hell out of that s10 really enjoy your videos man

[@NYPATRIOTBX]

The steering box from the iroc-z will bolt up just fine and tighten up that steering significantly.

[@criskyro]

Thanks for this info bro!

[@milesparris4045]

I know it's an old video, but I inherited a work truck that the last guy put really cheap tires on that were way too wide for the wheels, and it handled like ass like all the tires were severely low on pressure. Once I put some decent tires on it, it drove like new with no other changes.

[@Fenderman1235]

I've bought one of those lares brand steering boxes before. It's been a good One! 👍

[@octnov65]

Great video you are actually really good at making videos

[@betzer19]

good on you. great to watch again. plus first

[@herrbanknachbar8503]

Fuzzy Dice Projects you are Chris Fix 2.0 and keep up with that good videos

[@jeffglaid1244]

Did you ever consider increasing the positive caster angle in your front end alignment (shim the rear bolt) to improve straight-line tracking and remove some of that drift?

[@hurtadoa1]

I very much enjoy your videos. I feel as if I am doing this myself. Thank you for still making them. Makes me want to undertake such project. Is there anything you recommend we have as tools? Even if we don't have much money to get them

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Hmm, good question! Off of the top of my head, the basics: -Floor jack and at least two jackstands -3/8" ratchet and a good set of 3/8" 6pt sockets (shallow and deep) and extensions -Combination wrenches (for modern cars, metric) 6mm-19mm at least -Long handled 1/2" ratchet and breaker bar, impact rated adapter to use 3/8" sockets -1/4" torque wrench, 1/2" torque wrench -Haynes manuals for your cars can be a good quick-reference -A few types of pliers (needle-nose, flat-nose, vice grip) and at least two pairs of adjustable pliers -A decent set of screwdrivers (philips and large flat-heads for prying) -A steel hammer and a dead-blow hammer -A bright, reliable LED flashlight with rechargeable batteries -A cheap digital caliper and tape measure -Cheap wire strippers, crimpers, and butt connectors/heat shrink wrap -Safety glasses/mask, hearing protection, gloves -Various scraps of wood (2x4s, thinner stuff, etc.) useful for all sorts of things -JB weld, cheap electrical tape, and zip ties! And that will get you through a heck of a lot! Beyond that: -Power drill and drill bits -Impact gun (electric or pneumatic) and sturdy impact sockets -Propane/MAPP torch -MIG welder -Soldering gun -Crowbar -Solid workbench and vice, with overhead lighting -Toolbox with drawers to keep things organized -O-ring picks -Snap-ring pliers -Swivel socket adapters -Ratcheting wrenches ...and the list goes on to infinity! There are always more tools you need or want to make things easier. But the basics list will get a heck of a lot of work done!

[@hurtadoa1]

Thank you!!!! I appreciate you answered my comment.

[@marekant7776]

Fuzzy Dice Projects any updates on the Free Jeep project?

[@sakumisan]

Lares is pretty much the best domestic parts refurbisher. I have one of their boxes on my Firebird and it was rebuilt well.

[@SkashTheKitsune]

when my mother ran out of power steering fluid once it made such a loud noise that it was audible inside the cabin, this was in a car that's made in 2000's so the insulation is great, so you would have an idea on how loud it was, we can barely hear the pitter patter of the V6 engine.

[@marcusworld87]

Man you make some great videos

[@wesleyalloway1982]

Love the videos

[@MAGWolf]

You should try this on a Astro Van. So much fun lol.

[@MyLonewolf25]

Just a small suggestion Iirc these s10s are rag joint correct? Definitely upgrade to u joint shaft If you had a 88-98 full size truck I’d recommend the xj jeep steering shaft upgrade but I don’t know about s10 stuff Also replacing your pitman arm, drag link, center bar, etc or at minimum making sure they have little play will definitely help with steering play

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Most of that is covered in this video, actually! Pretty much all the steering parts have been replaced and there is no play in the setup, and the rag joint is in good shape, doesn't seem to have any extra play. I'll probably put an XJ shaft in it eventually though because, if nothing else, this one rubs on the exhaust manifold!

[@slowride55]

Really enjoy your videos!!!

[@SuperDriver101]

Nice vid. Keep the $-10 coming

[@manixd7129]

Que buen video llevaba meses tratando de averiguar como quitarlo jeje

[@Unicornguy]

Nice! I've got to do this in the soon to my K1500. Hopefully I'll have a little more wiggle room since my truck is a full sized truck.

[@allenmckinney9533]

For older models like that blazer you can get a steering shaft from a 90s jeep cherokee which has u-joints instead of a rag joint. I have a 00 s10 that I cut and combined a jeep lower shaft u-joint with a chevy lower shaft and its made a difference. I do need a new gear box but I cant get my 2wd pitman arm off and they go for $100+.

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Yep! I have looked into the swap before, especially since the current shaft rubs the exhaust manifold a bit. The stars just haven't aligned to get me the right parts yet.

[@shakdidagalimal]

Could you possibly have a brake caliper sticking in front ? Sometimes that makes steering funky.

[@danielesilvaggi]

did you make a video of the internals of the box and how they work? I want to see how far you can adjust the adjusting nut.

[@sevtex]

I remember that you worked on the alignment to set the toe, did you ever happen to get the caster to spec? that could affect your wheel not wanting to return to center as well.

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

The wheel always returned to center well, I was warning what would happen if you overtightened the adjuster. Have not checked the caster, but I doubt it is far off. It is a good idea, though.

[@Tigerfire75]

Have you ever thought of making your own flare wrenches

[@davidcoen441]

I think you should replace the rag joint, when me and my dad replaced the steering box, our rag joint had less play to it. But when we replaced it with a new rag joint it was a whole lot better.

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Interesting! I need a new steering shaft anyway (this one rubs on the exhaust, I'd like one from a Cherokee) so I'd like to have a go at that in the future.

[@jesp999]

my 88 s10 also has wandering steering and i have extra wide tires on it, I think yours was worn more than mine, but once a cop pulled me over and said i was weaving in my lane. it was on a worn patch or payment. I could not believe he was pulling me over. he wanted to see if I was drunk. but he let me go. I should have told him this was just the way the truck feels its way down the road in the grooves in the road. One other thing with s10, my gas pedal (throttle) is hard to press compared to any other car i have driven. I changed the TV decant cable and the throttle cable. I think its just the factory spring at the air intake that seems like it cannot be changed. If you have any thoughts on this let me know. I have the 2.8 v6 4x4 pick up

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Interesting! I'm not too sure what would cause a stiff pedal on a TBI truck other than a dragging cable. If you open the throttle by hand (holding the throttle arm with the cables disconnected) does it seem excessively stiff? The throttle springs on those aren't typically replaced, but if it is closing it doesn't seem like a problem with it sticking or dragging, so I'm not too sure what it would be.

[@B2Delta117]

you can see the shaft coming out of the old box, the same thing happened to my suburban.

[@helomechjmc]

When did the Fiero steering wheel come to live there?

[@jonatan6460]

Nice video!! 👍

[@barrysauce]

I just replaced my rag joint on my 87 s10 2 wheel drive. It helped a lot and my steering box was replaced due to a bad gear. I would replace the rag joint again or try and find a jeep intermediate shaft as others have done. There really isn't ANY parts at all you can buy from a parts store out there at all. If we can find something that is from a Jeep that has NO rag joint that would eliminate the steering issue you have but more vibration would hit the steering wheel. I have searched and it is very hard to find a solution since the trucks are so old now and they do not make parts for that stuff anymore only standard stuff. Any ideas?

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

I had planned to find an XJ in a junkyard and get the intermediate shaft from it, for the solid U-joints and because the current shaft rubs the exhaust manifold a bit. I still plan to in the future, but it drives pretty well so I'm not in a hurry. Other than using some generic u-joints to achieve the same thing as an XJ shaft and end up costing more, I don't really have any other ideas there.

[@DarkLinkAD]

Wider tires sometimes wonder/conform side-to-side, with the small grooves on the highway. Mabye have a second set of tires/wheels for the snow weeks, those skinny tires don't look very nice but they slice through the snow, making contact with the pavement, like a pizza cutter.

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Good points!

[@gstubbz]

You may be able to use a Cherokee XJ steering shaft and notch it to fit into your steering column, might be able to get some more play out of the steering, worked on my 98 k1500.

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Yep! I have looked into the swap before, especially since the current shaft rubs the exhaust manifold a bit. The stars just haven't aligned to get me the right parts yet.

[@kwapedog]

check the front trac bar, assuming you have one. had the same wander on my jeep cause the axle side bolt was loose. But could be from play in bushings.

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

This truck has independent front suspension, so no track bar. Control arm bushings are solid, though, replaced the uppers and no play in the lowers.

[@40calpunisher]

It is "darty" because you need an alignment. You did a great job with the string method, you just need an alignment shop to make the final tweaks. IMO. Keep up the great work!

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Fair point! Maybe sometime in the future. I know the camber needs work, if nothing else!

[@goforth91]

I have a 96 S10 and it seems to wonder left to right like you are saying. I have replaced every part of the steering/suspension from the gearbox down to the wheel bearings. Let me know if you figure out whats causing yours.

[@cnyautosales382]

goforth91 is your camber off?

[@stopibeastin7471]

I have a 93 blazer s10 and am have the same problem replace everything but the steering box I’m replacing my box what else could it be if it’s not the box?

[@Fierofreak01]

Try installing a steering stabilizer, that should help the bump steer and possibly help with the wandering.

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

I actually did put a steering stabilizer in it this week (spoilers for a future video) and it seems to have helped the wander a little, and pretty much fixed the bump steer, but it still doesn't have the best highway manners.

[@lmdaskievige8931]

Was thinking welding the hole shut but that ending clip showed me why you went to extra old parts and made the new flare. Wondering if your dad or you are a mechanic by trade to have all these tools?

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Nope! My father was into the hobby so some of the basic tools (toolbox, wrenches, etc.) were his, but as I have gotten into it (also as a hobby) the last few years I have amassed quite a few tools! Some (like the ball joint toolkit) belong to friends but they live in my garage because they wouldn't be used elsewhere.

[@El_Chompo]

Get better gears for the firebird :) love your channel

[@cookiedancedtcd5315]

I love ya videos!

[@Good_Things_To_Know]

How deep the steering shift should go into the gear in the sterring box?

[@MikhailScottKy]

I wonder why you have not pulled out the bumper on the drivers side using a tow rope and a pole?

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

The steel sheared, I could weld it back up a bit but it's not worth the effort. Would rather just replace it/make a new one.

[@tyco5176]

the center link its joints are probably bad just did mine a month ago with suspension rebuild it drives like factory nice and tight but turns with one finger

[@davydmir6565]

You know I had an old kettle like that fitting, the moment I cleaned all the lime scale it started to leak, pretty ironic....

[@CharmleysChopShop]

Did you ever get rid of the wonder and slop?

[@alycestapleton]

You need a proper wheel alignment at a workshop or suspension shop ?

[@YungJackie22]

My s10 zr2 had the sloppiest steering ever 😂 you’d have the wheel going right, hit a bump and you’d go left

[@wurly164]

No Sandals?

[@prisonerofthehighway1059]

Probably could use a steering stabilizer with those tires.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Good video but I think I will TQ my Pittman arm on the truck

[@MAGWolf]

It pry needs ball joints and tie rods usually those being bad can cause steering to wander.

[@iTzKomplett]

Me and my dad bought a chevy blazer 1993 s10 4 door, and it has the same poblem, just wandering around

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Check the bearings, ball joints, control arm bushings, and steering linkage for looseness first, mine was all pretty terrible when I first got it. Then align it, see if you can (carefully) adjust the steering box to take some of the slop out, and if the rag joint in the steering shaft is worn out. I just added a steering stabilizer to this truck (shown in a future episode) and it helped a bit with steering and a lot with bump steer, as well.

[@boyd19043]

Fuzzy Dice Projects you should look into changing out the steering shaft with a jeep one I plan on doing it to my Monte carlo

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Yep, I have, both for making things a little more solid and because the current one just about hits the exhaust manifold. Maybe somewhere down the line!

[@1amazingdad854]

I wasn’t aware they made an s10 with a v8.

[@YungJackie22]

He swapped it in there, there’s a whole series in a playlist :)

[@glennmanchester1568]

They didn't

[@rocknmustang]

I hate to say it again, but that rag joint is shot. It is not supposed to be that soft and would account for the soft on center feel. Also your front sway bar bushings are worn out. You can tell they are squashed and soft from age. Replace with new rubber ones and not the hard poly bushings seeing they can make the sway transitions too harsh on a truck like yours.

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

I'm not disagreeing that it would be a good idea to replace it, but I don't think it is where the play is coming from in this case. You can turn the steering wheel and see that the coupler splined to the gearbox turns a bit before the output turns at all (though it is better on the reman gearbox). If there was a lot of play in the rag joint you would see/feel motion being lost through it, and I just don't feel any. I'm sure there is some, especially with power steering in play and driving over bumps, but it doesn't account for the loss of motion in the gearbox, which seems much more noticeable. The joint needs a bit of movement in it (to allow for the angle of the joint of course) and that is maybe what makes it look loose in the video. The sway bar bushings are old, for sure, and could do with replacing. Everything is still very tight and (I don't think, hard to hear anything while driving) not clunking though, so I don't feel that has a big impact on too much. I would like to get them replaced, though.

[@butchcassidy5398]

You need a steering coupler more then that gear box

[@alanack67]

Odd my 95 s10 has almost no slop despite everything being original except maybe the control arms. 206,000 miles

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Interesting! Pretty much everything I read online said that these steering boxes have a certain amount of play at the centered position (it has certainly been my experience with them in a few other vehicles). Just checked out of curiosity, looks like 95-2003 S10s use a different box, while the earlier models (1982-1994) use the one I have. I'm not sure if there is any difference other than some calibration, but maybe the later model trucks have some improvements I'm not aware of.

[@alanack67]

Fuzzy Dice Projects any steering gear will have some play, it's not a perfect design. My S10 maybe has an inch. Sad though the frame is rotted out near the rear spring hanger. Not sure if it's worth fixing. Still looks like you have an excessive amount or play, I would suspect the tie rod ends next.

[@Velpoem]

Thank God it’s an 1988 vehicle not a 2020 vehicle.

[@tfawcett02]

It’s because it’s a 4 wheel drive there gonna have a little slop

[@mrbigb12]

More more more

[@jth1987leb]

Why not just put a rack and pinion? Never mind I see you needed it fixed. Maybe in the future

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Putting a rack and pinion into an S10 is a difficult swap, a powered rack-and-pinion ten times as difficult; needs a lot of re-engineering and fabricating, and the only kit made to do it (that I know of) is quite expensive. And that is for 2WD models! I have never seen it done on a 4WD, the frame and other front end parts are fairly different, it would be a huge undertaking to even figure out what parts would have to be modified to be used for that unfortunately. Plus, if I ever end up doing a solid front axle swap it would all have to be undone anyway.

[@awp2902]

Do a video where you re paint it

[@Antiganos]

He repainted this vehicle in the first episode. Cheers

[@LebonezLive]

why in the hell is that bolt 185 foot pounds.

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

It's a pretty large nut (7/8"-14) and holds vital steering parts together without a cotter pin, so it's really relying on that clamping force to keep the pitman arm tight on the splines.

[@ZMO999]

Open the gear box and let’s see it and try to fix it

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

I wanted to, still have it sitting around, but I have so many other projects that need to come first. Probably won't get to it before the core return window closes and I'd rather not miss it.

[@rgbigdog]

Taking off the front sway bar would have given you more room.

[@freakyflow]

rag joint - A million Blazers with rubber discs in the Steering joint = Slop

[@tyco5176]

oh tie rods would've took a bad impact

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Everything is still tight, no issues there. Not sure the tire even impacted the wall in a significant way

[@dfsafasdafsfdsfa5969]

anda perlu melaraskan kandungan

[@daleolson3506]

This is the reason I don't own gm products any more. Can't replace parts fast enough to keep these shit boxes on the road.

[@Дмитрийорлов-н7э]

Saya tidak percaya ia boleh menjadi sebaik ini

[@bobhilly546312156332]

Not a truck

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

I'd say an SUV with a discrete frame (in this case, one nearly identical to the one used on the standard S10 pickup truck) is still a truck, but I understand that some people don't like the classification. For what it's worth, the PA title called the body style "SW" for "Station Wagon", and the MD title calls it "TK" for "Truck", near as I can tell.

[@bobhilly546312156332]

Fuzzy Dice Projects the storage compartment is not sperated from the passenger area it’s not a truck

[@FuzzyDiceProjects]

Does a Chevy Avalanche stop being a truck if the midgate is folded down? Is a sleeper cab Peterbilt not a truck? Is a Humvee not a truck? Is an Ice Cream "Truck" also not a truck? The term is malleable, at best.

[@austindoud273]

Get your dirty old box outta here

[@kameron454ci]

and get a real alignment cheapskate lol thats probably 90% of your problem

[@daleolson3506]

Backround music👎🏻