Steering gear box or more?

[Scarletfever]

Hi

I recently bought a 1968 f250, that is halfway redneck restored. Eg. Bondo and fire engine colored paintjob but plenty of rust peeking through the edges. Whatever though, that isn't my issue, I love it regardless. The trouble is I took it out about two months back and stopped at a stop sign just past my house and the steering decided that because it was 47 years old it was due for retirement. It turned left one last time and it gave up. I had to call a tow to get it one block back to the driveway, where it has been since. I had my dad peer under the hood and he said it was the steering gear box.

My question is twofold: 1 Can someone confirm for me that that sounds like the correct diagnosis if the wheel spins freely and the wheels just sit there? 2 Could you tell me what I should expect to pay for it? I've had estimates by phone anywhere from 300 to 800,seems like a big difference.

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[HIO Silver]

Congrats on the Bump.

There's only a few parts between the steering wheel and the tie rods..... a steering shaft, a rag joint, the steering box, and a pitman arm.

Open your hood and look at the steering gear... does in put equal output??? You could just have a sheered rag joint (aka steering coupler).

If you need a new steering box, contact Red-Head Steering out of WA state... they're all the rage. Avoid local parts store steering gears... all they do is change the seals and do a minor adjustment. Redhead will replace worn parts and rebuild it better than new. About $360 for a PS gear.