Best Way to Remove Skid Plate Above Steering Arms

[Ironbuck]

I am working on replacing my power steering hoses. I removed the skid plate, but the steering dampener is in the way. Do I need to take the dampener off to completely remove the plate?

Any help?

 

[cartercd]

You can twist and wiggle the skidplate free without removing the damper. It takes some patience and probably a few tries, but it will come out easily.

 

[NLXTACY]

Unbolt the whole thing and just rotate it. It's not difficult...rather, shouldn't be difficult

 

[shocktower]

4 bolts and it comes right off

 

[Ironbuck]

Thanks for the response. Mine appears kinda stuck. Is there an issue with unbolting the (2) bolt bracket for the steering dampener.

 

[NLXTACY]

Thanks for the response. Mine appears kinda stuck. Is there an issue with unbolting the (2) bolt bracket for the steering dampener.

Don't. Zero need.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

No, there is no issue removing the stabilizer.

 

[NLXTACY]

No, there is no issue removing the stabilizer.

but zero need unless you are replacing it

 

[BlueCruiser84]

but zero need unless you are replacing it

True. I was just answering his question. I think that plate has been removed and discarded on every 80 I've owned. I'm kinda , though.

 

[baselfish]

but if you were to want to replace the OEM SS -

this is your tool...
Amazon.com: OTC 7315A Universal Tie Rod End Remover: Automotive

there are several "nightmare" posts about the OEM SS - but indeed with the 7315a - takes all of 30 seconds -
just be warned when it does "pop" off - tis a lot of pressure built up and comes out hard and fast...

Bf

 

[bloc]

remove the four bolts.

pull forward on the driver's side. The notch in the plate will catch the frame-side end of the steering stabilizer, and the plate can rotate around the post and come right out.

 

[Ironbuck]

I appreciate the feedback. It finally came out after some determination. I am getting frustrated with the high pressure hose for the power steering pump with where it attaches above. Beano said to take it off with a flare wrench. I just can not get leverage. I am thinking about about just bending the old line up and cutting it off....such an amateur. Any one else have some more insight.

Also, I saw this (green fluid collecting)

on the oil cooler when I was below the truck. The radiator was replaced 3 years ago. The A/C compressor 18 months ago. I just got some fluid topped off. Not sure why anything would be collecting under the truck.

Thoughts?!?!?

 

[BILT4ME]

Check your hose clamps on the hoses of the radiator. Over time, the hoses compress a little where the clamps are and they appear to loosen up and sometimes leak. Give them another turn or two.

The green fluid is antifreeze (radiator).

On the high pressure PS hose, either you bought a new one or had one made...... a NEW OEM one can be very expensive, but a lot of folks have taken theirs off and taken it to a hydraulic hose shop and had new rubber and fittings installed, and put it back on.

 

[Ironbuck]

Thanks for the input about the radiator lines. I have all the new hose lines ready for the P/S pump. I can get the pump off and I am going to replace the (3) rubber hoses with the PHHkit setup (I used the kit for the PHH and it went well). I just can not get the nut to loosen on the HP line to the gear hosing without being "creative" which means destructive to my mind.