first gen power steering box - rebuild or replace?

[shawski]

1987 runner with 330k on the clock.

The ATF is clearly leaking from the gearbox. It looks like it could be both the upper and lower side, at the very least it’s the upper side.

My local steering/suspension guy says Toyota doesn’t offer the re-seal kits any longer. I’m assuming this is true…although I haven’t personally researched it yet.

Does anyone know where to get a seal kit for these power gear boxes?

Or, should I get a rebuilt box. Just like anything rebuilt, you get what you pay for and also never know what parts were put inside. What’s a really good box to consider as a replacement? I want something reliable, cost effective – 80% daily driver, 20% trail driving.

Thank you all!

 

[flyinhawaiian01]

Steering boxes are around 270-300 from Trail Gear, Marlin Crawler, etc.,

The rebuild kit is on RockAuto for about 30 bucks. They also have pumps, but are almost the same price as the ones from the above companies, I'd rather go with one of them than RockAuto for the box.

I have the Marlin rebuilt box in my truck, been in there since around '99 or so, still runnin' strong, even with 35's on the truck for many of those years.

 

[KidVermicious]

This appears to be the real deal: http://www.amazon.com/Edelmann-8760...5-3-2--198-3-0&sr=1-3&ymm=1985:toyota:4runner

 

[shawski]

That looks like a seal kit for the steering pump...not the steering gear box. Right?

 

[Hyde802]

I just bought a Gates rebuild kit for my 92 on rockauto. 30 bucks. Says they have one for a 87 too. Its called the "steering gear seal kit"

Gates part # 348429 for your 87

Gates part # 348431 for newer boxes (like my 92)

Hope that helps

 

[KidVermicious]

That looks like a seal kit for the steering pump...not the steering gear box. Right?

Oh. Yeah, sorry.

 

[shawski]

Oh. Yeah, sorry.

No worries, I ordered it, then realized it was wrong. Not worried about the $10.
However, I did talk to their tech support, who was great. The told me part number 8846 is for the gear box on the 4runner and 4x4 truck. Found it on Amazon for $27, with Prime! Confirmed kits are manufactured in the USA too.
So, thank you for taking the time to research that!