if you run without the pump make sure to empty the reservoir and expect oil to possibly come out of it. i personally wouldn't want to rush to replace a steering box on a 4x4. they are more work to usually replace than on a 2wd and if you don't have a new steering shaft you will likely just make the steering worse since the coupler is likely full of mud which is what is keeping it tight. i know 1 went through this with my 1 ramcharger. no amount of shims was able to make up for the slop and it was much scarier to drive till i got the steering shaft. usually have to cut the steering couplers off. i find it can be hit or miss whether the rolled pin will come out.

 

Well, an update is in order I suppose. I was able to adjust the screw in the steering box and fix most of that issue. But fighting the steering issues had me overlooking a couple others that bit me at the end. The trans was just downshifting way to hard to really even be safe long distance, along with a couple break issues here and there had to leave it where it sits. It runs great, and mostly drives okay. Planning on sending it to a mechanic to get the trans issues figured out.