Ok folks, I've searched the forums and know that Tim F. had a couple of cores that were sold to two different shops in order for rebuilt boxes to be out the door ready when someone needed one. Unfortunately Redhead does not have a core available at this time, and my steering box is making quite the mess of the driveway. As I don't have the needed tools to do this job, I'm hoping to have a local shop do the R&R with the rebuild in hand so it can be finished in one day.
Does anyone have a Sheepard M100 steering gear box core available that I can get sent to Readhead?
Any chance it's just the seal that you could replace for now,may be a good idea to change the oil and filters now,get the parts ordered.
Unfortunately, I'm no mechanic. I do not possess the heavy duty tools required for this job. Additionally, Redhead in WA blueprints the job which tightens up the steering pretty good, froim what these forums have described. For simplicity I like the idea of sending Redhead a core and having my local shop pull and replace it all in one day. But if I have to pull mine to send it off, so be it.
Where are you located? There is a reputable shop in Houston....
Keith
I just had mine rebuilt at Chalks in Houston. Super nice folks and they did a tremendous job. They told me if you take care of the gear it should last you 1M miles. I hand delivered it and got it back looking brand new in about 6 hours. You might contact them to see if they have the one in stock (Chalks Truck Parts). Since Rudy has been talking about them on this forum they've see a 10 fold increase in FT rebuilds. Costs around $650.
Suggestion: Be sure that your mobile mechanic knows how to adjust the bypass values. If these are not adjusted properly you can damage your axel or blowout your new box or your turning radius will be limited. Sheppard has a repair manual on their web site that explains this in detail. It's an easy read.
Good luck.
Redhead had one in stock when we had to replace ours... it was $200 extra plus the core charge as I recall.
Leaving on a trip in a few days and we were in a tight spot to get it fixed.
When asked about the core Tim F. had arranged to be used and they seemed to know nothing abut it.
They did offer a 10% military discount and a UPS label for return shipping.
I just sent back a core that according to UPS track will arrive at Red-Head on Monday that they can overhaul for you.
Tyson
Suggestion: Be sure that your mobile mechanic knows how to adjust the bypass values. If these are not adjusted properly you can damage your axel or blowout your new box or your turning radius will be limited. Sheppard has a repair manual on their web site that explains this in detail. It's an easy read.
Good luck.
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John did you adjust your plungers yourself or have it done?
I have not adjusted them yet and the MM did not. I have not been driving it because I now have another issue I need to fix. The rebuild house should set them conservatively (at least Chalks does) so you shouldn't need to worry about hitting the stops. According to the Chalks guys there are very easy to adjust but it's best done as a two person operation with the front wheels off the ground. See the Sheppard manual.
Were you able to find a rebuilt unit?
I am removing my steering gear box tomorrow with the help of a diesel mechanic. I hope things go reasonably well. I hit all of the bolts with Kroil this afternoon in prep.
I saw a suggestion of having 8AN-16 plugs handy to place on the lines so the hydraulic fluid does drain out all over the place once you disconnect the lines. That was a great suggestion. If you don't have any maybe you'll have time to get some tomorrow before your removal.
Absolutely agree with this advice. I bought the plugs and caps beforehand and lost no oil at all from the hoses and I was able to contain the oil in the gear while I removed it. I did not buy a rebuilt unit as mine has only around 50k miles and I know I only needed to replace the leaky seals.
I now have Redhead on the lookout for when Tyson's gear box arrives.
While I'm no mechanic, my neighbor is a real gearhead and between us we should be able to complete this task.
I'll be using Barry's video as a guide for reference.
Thanks everyone for your help.
I'll holler when we're finished and the core is on it's way to Redhead.
UPS Track
08/03/2024
12:18 A.M
Arrived at Facility
Post Falls, ID, United States
Should be out for delivery tomorrow as scheduled!
Tyson
If you need a Pittman Puller I have one you can have (I just ask that you "pay it forward" when you are done) if you send me a shipping label.
I appreciate that, Kevin. I found one for $125 and it arrived yesterday, so I'm good in that department. And that Pitman Puller will also become availble for someone in need when I'm through with it.
Well crap reading this post last week jinxed me.... Steering box got me but luckily I was at the right place to get it fixed. Mr Risch pulled it and I drove it to Houston and back for Chalks to rebuild it.... Wasn't in the budget but it's done now.....