Steering Box Spline Count

[norcalboon]

2005 GMC Yukon XL K2500
Any definitive method to check spline count without pulling the steering box? I believe it's a 3 spline but getting differing information on the interwebs. Any particular preference between Redhead, Bluetop, Saginaw or AC Delco or other for a replacement? Planning on also replacing idler and pitman arms - the rest of the front end is in good shape - 135K miles and it's a 3rd vehicle used for kids weekend sports and towing our TT so put about 10K miles a year on her. Have a slight whine and steering box is leaking, replaced the PS pump about a year ago when I replaced/upgraded the hydroboost, and of course new fluid. Thanks!

 

[rockola1971]

2005 GMC Yukon XL K2500
Any definitive method to check spline count without pulling the steering box? I believe it's a 3 spline but getting differing information on the interwebs. Any particular preference between Redhead, Bluetop, Saginaw or AC Delco or other for a replacement? Planning on also replacing idler and pitman arms - the rest of the front end is in good shape - 135K miles and it's a 3rd vehicle used for kids weekend sports and towing our TT so put about 10K miles a year on her. Have a slight whine and steering box is leaking, replaced the PS pump about a year ago when I replaced/upgraded the hydroboost, and of course new fluid. Thanks!

Best bet is to call GM dealer and give them your VIN and ask for the GM part# and price for your gearbox. They should be able to tell you how many splines its has or you can just cross their part# on sites like rockauto. You always replace idler and pitman arm when replacing a gearbox. You also should get a frontend alignment.

 

[Nuclearseal]

2005 GMC Yukon XL K2500
Any definitive method to check spline count without pulling the steering box? I believe it's a 3 spline but getting differing information on the interwebs. Any particular preference between Redhead, Bluetop, Saginaw or AC Delco or other for a replacement? Planning on also replacing idler and pitman arms - the rest of the front end is in good shape - 135K miles and it's a 3rd vehicle used for kids weekend sports and towing our TT so put about 10K miles a year on her. Have a slight whine and steering box is leaking, replaced the PS pump about a year ago when I replaced/upgraded the hydroboost, and of course new fluid. Thanks!

I just replaced my steering box 2 weeks ago, along with pitman and idler. I ordered the correct pitman arm (referencing correct part number from Alldata Diy, I have an 04 Tahoe) counted the splines that way (4 spline), then ordered steering box. AS A NOTE, make sure you get the lock washer that goes under the nut on the pitman arm. The new steering box came with the nut but not the washer, I figured I'd reuse the washer but after 20 years torqued down to 184 ft lbs it was like butter and split in half, project got held up until new washer located.