[Richard]

I need a little help identifying the model number of the steering gear. I know it is a a TRW TAS85, but the exact model number is supposed to be stenciled right on the bottom of the gear, on a small flat area easily visible from below. Years have faded my stencil to unreadable.

If any of you with the DANA IFS84 front ends know the model number or care to look, I would appreciate the model number.  On the side of the large metal casting is a number that starts with TAS85 but that is not the model number.

I removed the box, dang that thing is heavy, it pinned me to the ground!

The model number I lifted from mine was TAS85 075. There was a second stencil number below the model number 3489789261T.

And it gets better. According to TRW Technical Services, this is a model number specific to Newell. Meaning you probably will not find a reman one. So you have to reman the one you have.

[folivier]

Richard I've used this technique somewhat successfully before. Clean the stencil then mark over it with a sharpie permanent marker. Sometimes using a light at an angle will show the stenciled markings.

[Richard]

Still no luck.

I tried pencil rubbing, the marker technique, bright light and magnifying glass. No visible markings.

TRW says I out of luck with no model number.

[77newell]

Richard: why do you need the model number? What do you want to accomplish that requires knowing the model number?

[folivier]

One other thing you might try is if you can find a UV marker then use a UV light. That might show the markings.

[Richard]

Jon,

I have finally identified what was "not right" with the steering on my coach. There is play in the steering gear box that cannot be adjusted out with the sector shaft screw adjustment. The input shaft will turn 10 degrees without the output shaft turning. That translates into 1.25 inches of freeplay at the rim.

After multiple alignments, and hours fiddling with the sector screw, I feel relieved to have an assignable cause for what I was feeling while driving.

So, I need a reman box, or parts to reman this one myself. But without the model number, I can't get very far.

I have asked Newell with no luck so far.

[77newell]

Whoa, that is a lot of free play.

I had the steering gear from the 77 coach overhauled by Weller Truck Parts in Grand Rapids, MI. I delivered it to the store in Detroit and it was back in 2-3 days, I don't remember exactly. They may be able to take care of your problem even without a model number. I don't recall if mine had a number on it or not. I think they did a very good job. If yours doesn't need unusual mechanical parts they may get you fixed up.

Weller has an outlet in Tampa and Jacksonville.

[Richard]

Yep, been talking with Weller in Tampa. I may be able to have my box rebuilt.

[pairodice]

Richard, were you able to get your steering box rebuilt? Did you find the numbers? Mine needs to be replaced or rebuilt since now my steering wheel is sideways :-( Did you find a good number for the steering box? I can’t read mine either ... maybe I’m just getting too old to see small stuff ...

[Fulltiming]

Not sure what you mean by steering wheel is now sideways but if you mean that the steering wheel is no longer horizontal when the wheels are straight, the steering wheel should be able to be pulled and reset correctly or the tie rods adjusted to make it sit level. If you mean it pulls and has to be forceably held at an angle that is likely a front end alignment issue. Steering box rebuilds should only be necessary when they is excessive play that can not be removed by adjusting the screw on the steering box.