My original steering box has started to leak heavily in the outgoing axle (pitman arm). Is it possible to change that seal without taking the hole box apart ?
I am going to change box, but it will take a couple of weeks before I get it here and I want use the car during that time so I am hoping for it to be a "quicky".
Yes the pitman shaft seal can be changed. Remove the nut and lock washer, then remove the C-clip, there should be a steel washer, then a seal, then a second washer followed by a second seal. Put the nut back on the pitman shaft but only a few turns on, place an oil drain pan under the pitman shaft. Start the engine and at a high idle turn the steering wheel all the way to the left until you reach the stop, if you are having a good day the seal(s) will blow out of the housing and dangle on the shaft. If they won't release that way, you'll need to fish them out.
On installation, single lip seal goes up first followed by a steel washer followed by double lip seal followed by another steel washer then the C-clip followed by the pitman arm, lock washer and nut. Torque to 120-160 ft lbs (I use 140 ft lbs, right in the middle of the spec).
I got my seal kit from NAPA but any good parts store should have it or be able to get it for you. Good luck!
