K-van Steering Gear Box 1976-84 

Core charge details: If your old steering gear box is damaged, it may not qualify as a re-buildable core. A steering gear box with a broken sector shaft or input gear, cracked or welded case will not qualify as a rebuildable core. "Worn out" or leaking boxes are acceptable cores. The core must be from a Pathfinder K-van, not just something that looks simular.

The core charge must be paid when the new rebuilt gear box is ordered. Unless the old box is sent to Pathfinder prior to the shipping of the new gear box. The return shipping cost of the core gear box is the responcibility of the purchaser.

Be sure to make sure the old gear box is empty of oil. Wrap it well and seal it in plastic bags to prevent leakage. Otherwise the shipper of your choosing may send it back to you.

Other things to consider before buying a new steering gear box.

Are you sure you need a new gearbox?

The adjustment for the sector shaft is located on the backside of the gearbox, between the box and it's mounting bracket. If your only problem is sloppy steering, it may be worth a try.

First, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left or right. Slacken the jam nut several turns and slowly turn the adjuster screw in until it bottoms out, them back it off 1/2 a turn. You may be able to screw in in a little tighter or you may have to turn it out more. You will need to fiddle with it until it meets your satisfaction. When tightening the jam nut, hold the adjusting bolt firmly or it will more when you re-tighten the jam nut.

Most of the wear in the box is in the center position. If the sector shaft were adjusted in the center position the box would bind up when turned either right or left.

Rag joints

Check the "rag" joint that connects the steering column to the gear box. It looks like a round disc of rubber cut from the side of a tire. Most parts houses sell universal rebuild kits.

Pitman arm removal.

Use a proper pitman arm puller! A standard  2 or 3 jaw puller can slip slip off and  rearrange your face for you. If the arm still doesn't budge with a puller, tighten down the puller and smack the end of the adjusters threaded rod with a couple of firm blows with a 3 to 4 pound sledge hammer. The tighten a little more and repeat. Avoid using heat from a torch if possible, it weakens the pitman arm.