Rack and Pinon Replacement Help

[iadams]

I was able to pull out the leaking rack and pinon within a couple hours. Very straightforward. The only part that I struggled with was disconnecting the steering column shaft to the top of the rack and pinon. I used a prybar and the frame to push the top of the R&P down. Some pressure and a couple knocks got it to separate.

However.... now I can not get the new R&P installed. The steering shaft seems to be too long. If i bolt the R&P to the frame then the steering shaft is too long and I cannot get it to slide over the top of the R&P. If I put the shaft over the top of the R&P then it does not sit flush against the frame so that I can bolt it in.

I'm afraid the steering shaft was pulled down somewhere. Has anyone replaced one of these or been through this before? Or anyone have a suggestion where it could have slipped?

Thanks for any help.

 

[McBroom]

I was able to pull out the leaking rack and pinon within a couple hours. Very straightforward. The only part that I struggled with was disconnecting the steering column shaft to the top of the rack and pinon. I used a prybar and the frame to push the top of the R&P down. Some pressure and a couple knocks got it to separate.

However.... now I can not get the new R&P installed. The steering shaft seems to be too long. If i bolt the R&P to the frame then the steering shaft is too long and I cannot get it to slide over the top of the R&P. If I put the shaft over the top of the R&P then it does not sit flush against the frame so that I can bolt it in.

I'm afraid the steering shaft was pulled down somewhere. Has anyone replaced one of these or been through this before? Or anyone have a suggestion where it could have slipped?

Thanks for any help.

The steering shaft is a 2 pc unit. Use some wd40 or equivalent(I call it slick em juice)to free the shaft so it will slide enough to give the space needed for reinstall. It’s a very common thing because dirt n grime get in there. On some years there was a set screw that held the 2 pieces together. It may be located closer to the firewall and column.


I love my truck!
Blue Mule 18 Ram 4x4 C/C
Tradesman Power Wagon

 

[Karlsweg]

Wonder if the coupler slid down. I would loosen the set screw and push it up if you can. The coupler joint does wear out. I just replaced mine and the steering is tight.

 

[McBroom]

OP have you made any headway on the rack n pinion? Just curious if you had gotten it finished


I love my truck!
Blue Mule 18 Ram 4x4 C/C
Tradesman Power Wagon

 

[iadams]

Yes, I finished it up last night. Took about 15 mins with the help of another guy. I took a soft wood and placed it against the u-joint frame in the steering shaft. A few knocks moved the shaft up enough that I was able to easily slide it over the rack and pinon. I would suggest bolting the R&P to the frame and then adjusting the shaft. It didn't happen to me, but I could see someone retracting the shaft too much then it not being long enough - which would just be salt in a wound.

Overall, the whole job took 8 hours: 2 hr of unbolting everything, 30 mins of pulling it out and draining it, 3 hours of wasted time, 2 hours reinstalling and filling it up, 30 mins of cleaning up. I hope I save someone else the wasted time part. Very straight forward job on our trucks.
Having a second helper as a go-fer and support while moving the R&P in and out is key.


Happy wrenching and thanks for the help,

 

[Brando_SLT]

Holy crap, 8 hours! Anyone know what the regular "shop time" and "book time" rates are for this job? All jokes aside, I found your experience very helpful and mentally prepares me for the same task I will have in the future. Damn... Not looking forward to it.

Overall, the whole job took 8 hours: 2 hr of unbolting everything, 30 mins of pulling it out and draining it, 3 hours of wasted time, 2 hours reinstalling and filling it up, 30 mins of cleaning up. I hope I save someone else the wasted time part. Very straight forward job on our trucks.
Having a second helper as a go-fer and support while moving the R&P in and out is key.


Happy wrenching and thanks for the help,

 

[Jason G Slabaugh]

Usually 4-5 hours but depending on experience, tools and wether it's on a lift or on the ground. At a shop i used to work at, I could do them in a few hours with air tools and a lift

 

[Redtruck-VA]

A shop quoted my son inlaw $750 on his 04 ram 1500.

 

[Skeeter308]

Just did mine on my 02 1500 4WD 5.9L. Did that while also doing upper and lower control arms.

The R&P was far easier than imagined. Maybe 3.5 total for that. Maybe

 

[pajeepman]

Just did mine on my 02 1500 4WD 5.9L. Did that while also doing upper and lower control arms.

The R&P was far easier than imagined. Maybe 3.5 total for that. Maybe

That's also when I did mine on my old '03. Did not take too long, had it all jacked up and tools out so that saves some time from just doing the R&P alone.

Sent from my SM-A205U using Tapatalk

 

[madtrucker2016]

I did mine in a hour>>>>>>>>>>>>>only kidding sounds like you busted your rear end on this one but, think of all the money you saved to spend on other things. That should put a smile back on your face.