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Topic: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug  (Read 8365 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #150
The way I torque lug nuts is different (importantly different):

On mine, the socket fits onto a 3/4" breaker bar.  The handle of the breaker bar fits into the pipe/extension.  The torque wrench is on the OTHER END of the pipe/extension (on mine, a 1/2" drive female socket is welded in just short of the other end of the pipe (at an exact pre-caculated distance so the formula in the link below can easily be used).

Very different in terms of actual torque applied for a given torque wrench reading than if the extension is on the handle end of the torque wrench.  In that case it would lessen the torque YOU would have to apply, but torque  would be exactly what the torque wrench read.

Have used this link to design and build and then verify calibration for several extensions-- the very best one made by a fellow Foretravel owner with a steel supply company.

Torque Wrench extensions
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #151
Depending on who you listen to  you will loose 10 to 20% 

Chris,

That is the same thing that 4X states about the TD-1000.  I had the calibration verified and mine is with in 2%.  It is important for the multiplier to be checked along with the torque wrench to see what there real values are.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #152
The way I torque lug nuts is different (importantly different):

On mine, the socket fits onto a 3/4" breaker bar.  The handle of the breaker bar fits into the pipe/extension.  The torque wrench is on the OTHER END of the pipe/extension (on mine, a 1/2" drive female socket is welded in just short of the other end of the pipe (at an exact pre-caculated distance so the formula in the link below can easily be used).

Very different in terms of actual torque applied for a given torque wrench reading than if the extension is on the handle end of the torque wrench.  In that case it would lessen the torque YOU would have to apply, but torque  would be exactly what the torque wrench read.

Have used this link to design and build and then verify calibration for several extensions-- the very best one made by a fellow Foretravel owner with a steel supply company.

Torque Wrench extensions

This is what I did.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #153
Planning on pulling the steering box on Tuesday and sending off to Redhead once I have a pair of hands to help. Is it ok to raise the coach to safety block height while doing the steering box rebuild/ replacement?
Greg
Greg & Sandy
2001 U270
Build # 5803
Eagle, Idaho

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #154
Yes.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #155
Planning on pulling the steering box on Tuesday and sending off to Redhead once I have a pair of hands to help. Is it ok to raise the coach to safety block height while doing the steering box rebuild/ replacement?
Greg
I would drive on some blocks on the front also, if it doesn't interfere with the fridge.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #156
I needed all the height I could get on the coach in order to get a wrench on the return line fitting from underneath. It may depend on the clocking of the 90 degree fitting and the routing of the return line.
Don
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #157
Thanks for this great post on the steering box. Mine started leaking last trip we took and on so it's time to rip it out. I am having trouble removing the retainer nut for the pitman arm. I am hitting it with a 1/2" high torque Milwaukee impact...and nothing. Oh well, let's see if some PB Blaster and a days time does it. After that, I'm going for the blowtorch since we it's gonna be rebuilt anyway...
Tyler & Morgan Baumgardner
Follow our journey, @Travel Baums on Facebook and Instagram
1997 U320 40'
Cummins M11 450 HP

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #158
You are wasting your time with PB blaster, it is the torque that is your problem. 1/2" breaker bar 2' pipe extension and lots of grunt. I was afraid to use the torch and set the coach on fire as I had already took off the hyd. lines. Better if you have it is 3/4" to 1/2' adaptor and 3/4 breaker bar with cheater pipe. Then the torque to push the pitman arm off is even more.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #159
I tried it first with a fully charged, but several year old 4AH battery, but it wouldn't budge. I had recently bought a set of two new 5AH batteries and that did the trick, though even that wasn't instantaneous. Apparently, it isn't just how long they last that declines with age (just talking about batteries here... no really ;) ), but also theIr ability to deliver maximum current. Of course, bending the locking tabs out of the recesses of the pitman arm retainer is necessary first.
Don
Thanks for this great post on the steering box. Mine started leaking last trip we took and on so it's time to rip it out. I am having trouble removing the retainer nut for the pitman arm. I am hitting it with a 1/2" high torque Milwaukee impact...and nothing. Oh well, let's see if some PB Blaster and a days time does it. After that, I'm going for the blowtorch since we it's gonna be rebuilt anyway...
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #160
Thanks for this great post on the steering box. Mine started leaking last trip we took and on so it's time to rip it out. I am having trouble removing the retainer nut for the pitman arm. I am hitting it with a 1/2" high torque Milwaukee impact...and nothing. Oh well, let's see if some PB Blaster and a days time does it. After that, I'm going for the blowtorch since we it's gonna be rebuilt anyway...

Now is the time to purchase that 3/4" breaker bar and appropriate 3/4" socket.  Using tools that don't flex when you pull on them makes all the difference in the world.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #161
Fitting makeup length was an issue for me when I replaced my box last year. I only had a couple of inches to work with. (Story of my life...) I was able to use a large hex wrench and a 1.25" ID piece of pipe about 20" long to get the job done. I also found that using a ball ping hammer to rap the pitman arm while under pressure helped relieve the stress.

Make sure you Bend the resting ear out of the way before trying to removing the pitman arm nut.
 
I would also highly recommend placing a dab of heavy duty bearing grease on the head of the nut to reduce the friction against the puller.
2002 U270 34' Build 5953
Cummings ISL400HP
3410 Floor Plan
Longview, TX

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #162
I used Molly Coat to help reduce friction. Any graphite type grease would work also.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #163
I am getting into this conversation 3 years later but have questions. My steering box has a very very slight drip. Guessing maybe a drip every 10 minutes...just a guess as I have not timed it to be sure. If what I am reading is correct, this just requires a new seal which is what Don did for his.  Am I correct?  If this is the case, is there really a requirement to get a red head redo on my 24 year coach or is there something I am missing in this conversation. Being in Canada, and not able to do a replacement myself, I would assume this will be a 1500US touch at least to have done, by the time parts are ordered, received and installed
Comments, and expertise as always, are welcome!
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #164
It depends on which side of the box is leaking. Drivers side not too hard to put in a seal. Passenger side much more work. See Scott's post on not removing the box. If you have considerable play then have it rebuilt to take out the slack.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #165
I literally just finished this morning replacing my M100 Sheppard box on my 2001 U320..... I have taken good pics and notes for those wanting/thinking about a DIY for this task. I plan on posting it this week. I too first bought a seal kit(for sale as well) but I decided to do a replacement instead.
2001 36' U320 Build 5901
2001 LX470

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #166
Peter, at 24 years old, time is your enemy.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #167
I did mine twice lol... Sent my original to Redhead and I wasnt happy with it as it had some kind of lump in it.. It was a long time sitting and didnt call them until about a month after warranty.. They said it was chargeable.. I ordered another one that was adjustable someone had mentioned on the forum and had it rebuilt.. Awesome... Opened up the original one redhead did and it had a piece of old gasket smashed in it... I didnt complain to them but I did have them rebuild the new one I bought.. They did good the second round but wasnt happy the first time at all..

Send my Gladiator steering box in to them also.. its a lot better too.. New truck and didnt drive well at all.. SLoppy steering.
2002 U320 36' Single axle  MOST MODED IN HISTORY SO MUCH ITS ALMOST ILLIGAL
2 slides ( living room and bedroom)
undisclosed
male
female
genderless
nonbinary
transgendered

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #168
If I chose to add the Lucas seal stuff listed on the forum, would I add it directly to the large black tank in left side of engine compartment or to another area. ??
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #169
That's where you would put it. I tried that stuff for my leaking fan motors and it didn't help so
I changed the seals and it's not leaking any more.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #170
Seal magic stop just gets your money and puts chemicals into the oil system that will come back to Haunt you with everything leaking. IMO
Look at the pictures in my post and you'll see that the seals are just completely destroyed and hanging on by a thread. Some will recommend only changing the one but eventually you're gonna be back in there changing the other one. IMO I did not replace the steering input seal and it has been okay since. Doing inframe is a challenge. Removing gear box is a challenge. Nothing is small or light.
Steering gearbox leak
Others and I have done this but IMO some will not be as fortunate.
Scott

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #171
Peter, if you do end up having the box replaced, just an FYI, I had mine replace at NMS in Texas, and they charged 6 hours of labor to do the job.  I supplied them with my own Red Head Unit.
I understand your in Canada, but just wanted to give you an idea of the labor hours involved if you do find someone to do the work for you.
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #172
Well guys and gals, as I stated previously I replaced my steering box. It is not difficult, but it's not easy either. Basically if you ain't spry, don't try!
ALSO, on a really important note: IF you have an Independent Front Suspension (IFS) it is a special steering box. After replacing the new one and going out to test drive..... turning the steering wheel to the left, turned my wheels to the right! Yes you read that correctly the first time..... so now to send off my original box, R&R the new one and hopefully not wait too long for its return.
More to follow
James Bock
2001 36ft U320 IFS Build 5901
2001 36' U320 Build 5901
2001 LX470

Re: Bit by the Sheppard M100 bug

Reply #173
You might find a customer here for the new one that fits all but IFS
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean