Ok, it really didn't explode, but I got your attention.

Background: Pitman/idler arm went out a month ago, and I replaced them. I had a bear of a time getting the pitman arm off. Auto parts store told me to use a pitman arm pickle fork, and I believed them. I ended up bending the steering gearbox shaft. Nothing was wrong except the steering was a bit stiff. Ended up taking it to a shop to have them remove the pitman arm.

Fast forward to two days ago, attempted to go camping in the mountains. Got 3/4 the way through the trails, and my power steering started making noise. I got out and saw all the fluid is gone. Then I saw it was leaking out of the steering gear box. Looks like the bent shaft eventually wore out the seals. I drove the truck home with no power steering, which is fun on the trails.

There is a shop in town that can get me a used box for $200. My questions are, since I drained the power steering, would that have damaged the power steering pump? And will I have to get an alignment once I replace the gear box? Any tips on replacing the gear box?

BTW, I now know to use a puller to get the pitman arm off, thank you internet.

 

Running a pump dry is not good for it. You might need a pump too.

They make pitman arm pullers.

 

WOW! 200 bucks is high for a used box. Check out ur local pick and pull...... As long as you dont move any of the adjustment in the linkage the alignment should be fine.

 

You can rebuild the pump fer about $20 with a kit from RockAuto.com.

Check www.car-part.com fer a local yard that might have the part(s) yer looking fer.

 

I had a place in town sell me a rebuilt steering box for $230 and they took the core. Might be able to find something like that around you

 

Update: Found American Import Auto in Colorado Springs here that has one on the shelf for $125. Gonna pick it up today. Thanks all for the advice.