Just finished the PS rebuild today which included a rebuilt steering box by Gary in CT for the 82. After 30 years and 75,000 miles it was time to get things done. Was also going to develop a leak from one of the steering hoses as it was rubbing through on the bracket for the steering cylider when making turns.
So out came the box from the 82 and in went the box from the 74 in the interim until the 82 box returned. It was time as Gary sent me an email stating:
"Hi Tom
I have your box apart. It was original, the old bushings and grease were in it. The lash and preload was very loose, 1-2 in/lbs. I was able to bring in the lash but the grease was acidic and the ball screw was begining to etch and pit. I won't know if I can reuse the gears until I have them apart and cleaned up."
That being said, the gears were reused after Gary did check them during the rebuild.
I also had planned to replace the hoses, and then decided to replace the control valve and sterring cylinder while I was there, since the 82 is driven everyday as my "dd" and I am a big believer in PM(Prevenitve Maintenance) it was the right thing to do.
Ed came over and helped me out, and after you change out a sterring box or two, it becomes second nature. It was a breeze to drop the steering column, especially since the dash is still out of the car, and take the box out, and then put the 82 box back in.
Followed the instructions from Jim Shea's paper on bleeding the system, plus the many tips found from forum members who have performed the job. It went smooth, had to make adjustments on the hoses, as they were rubbing the bracket when the steering was being turned. Took care of that and also tighten down the connections on the hoses, due to small leaks found during the cold bleed process. Was also ready for the dreaded start-up of the engine to see if the steering wheel took on a mind of its own, but that never happen, as the new control valve was adjusted perfectly, no movement at all.
The only problem I encounter with the control valve was that it did not mate up to the center link as the original valve did, it missed by a 1/4 turn, so I had to back it out
3/4 turn to get it to line up with the pitman arm, no biggie.
Won't have to do this for another 30 years, I guess the grandsons will have to rebuild it by then.
Took for a short test drive, and with everything new or rebuilt, especially the great work that Gary performs on the box, steering input is like "right now", you actually feel that you are controling the vehicle, and the response feels great. Anxious to get to work tomorrow, so I can get out on the road. So far, so good......

Here are some pics......
the steering box installed from the top and side, you can see the date of production for the box.





The control valve in straight position, with wheel turned to the Left and then with wheel turned to the Right. You will see how close it gets to the bracket in that last position.

 

Nice & clean... now you're gonna want to clean some more stuff down there. Don't deny it.

 

Yes. You know you want to....

 

Alright guys, yes I would like to, but for now it is the "dd" and I am just doing what I need to do, well maybe a liitle bit more....
I really have to concentrate on the 74, and make that nice and clean before I would do that to the 82. I am just happy to get these projects done on the 82, and make it as reliable as can be for the "dd" activity. Weekends don't give you enough time to do the repairs and repaint too.... It just feels good and is more fun to drive than before.....