As near as I can tell, it is leaking out where the pitman arm connects. Not 100% sure as 99% of the ps fluid is already gone, but that is where I noticed fresh fluid when I cranked up the engine to see if I could find the leak.
Is there a seal that that is relatively easy to replace, or am I just better off looking for another gear box? And if I go for another box, should I go for new, rebuilt, or junkyard? And I would be taking my chances on the junkyard route, as I really dont know what to look for in a gear box.
TIA
James

 

there's a quick ratio box used in irocs, formulas and transams that gives better steering feel. a used box should be somewhere around $50-$75.

would probably be a good idea to replace the hoses while you've got the box off anyways. you'll want a set of flare nut wrenches for the task so you don't round off the fasteners.

 

You didn't give any particulars about your vehicle,
Do you have a 600 series or an 800 series box?
Are you mechanically inclined?
Do you have a decent tool collection?
And most importantly, Do you have a year specific factory service manual?
Look at the top of your box, does it have 4 bolts holding a cover on it?
If it does, then you have a fast ratio box, and you would do well to install replacement seals.

 

86 IROC 305 TPI (I believe it still is 305 anyway), so it does have the fast ratio gear box. (and yes, it has the 4 bolts on top). The ONLY manual I have on this is a Haynes for 3rd gen camaros; dont even have an owners manual. I am mechanically inclined, but I dont really have the facilities to work on it as I live in an apt, so will most likely be taking it to a shop and want an idea of what I am looking at for repairs. The hoses are looking a little rough, so figured on replacing them while I was having all of the other work done.

 

The seal isn't that dificult to replace.
A shop would probably take about 2 hours to replace the seal.
The hoses, depending on how corroded they are, probably an hour.
I would suggest taking it to a dealer, unless you have a relationship with a reputable shop, able to do this kind of work already.
It is a little more technical than say, exhaust, shocks, or tires.

I would also suggest checking the input shaft seal also, that is where the steering column goes into the box.
there should be a cover that you can slide up the shaft and see the spline shaft coming out of the box.
Use a can of brake clean and hose it off real good and dry it with a rag. Then clean off any heavy grease from the pitman shaft and hose that down with the brake clean.
Then when both areas are clean and dry, fill the reservoir with power steering fluid andstart it up and turn the wheel from lock to lock, shut it off and then check where the fluid is leaking from.
The input seal is a little more involved than the piman seal, still it should only take a couple of hours or less per seal.

 

Be sure to check the high pressure hose where the rubber and the metal connect. Ive had a few leak from there.

 

one night pulling out of a parking space, i had the pressure hose completely detach from the metal fitting. still had steering, but no power assist.