87 4runner- front end is heavily built up for sand dunes/desert/baja style driving. IFS and 16" of travel.

the steering is very stiff.

i pulled the little valve/spring thing out of the high pressure side of the pump and cleaned it, drained the whole system, disassembled the resevoir and cleaned the screen inside, removed the hoses and cleaned them, took the steering column apart and inspected for damage, cleaned and greased all the u-joints in the column, removed the steering stabilizer and refilled the system.
the steering is better but still quite stiff.

it has ingested lots of sand over the past couple years and gotten a little worse evry time i use it.

it is not a street driver- it lives in my fifth wheel trailer but good power steering helps in the dunes.

should i consider changing the pump? the box? ($1,800)

anyone? thanks!

Disconnect the steering linkage from the pitman arm. Jack the truck up and put it on jackstands. Remove the wheels. Turn the wheels by hand. Do they move easily? They should. If not you have problems in the knuckles, probably ball joints.

If everything checks out, then Id start with the pump.

do you need a special tool for the pitman arm? it looks like yes.

nevermind- i just realized you meant remove the linkage from the pitman arm- not remove the pitman arm....

i will try tomorrow- thanks

Marlin, All-Pro, and Trail Gear all have steering boxes and pumps for a lot less then that.

$1800? Are you looking for one made out of platinum?

thats toyota dealer cost.

i dont buy chinese crap from auto parts stores for my japanese toyota truck.

I agree on the Chineese parts. Seems we pay for the whole elevator and all you get is the shaft!

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At least buy a used box. I bought one for $25 and it works great.