So I bought a van that has bad rust around the frame and steering box. My main question is has my steering box already detached from the frame (bent) or is it supposed to sit on an angle? The van was cheap enough to buy for parts but is this able to stay on the road?

 

Have someone move the steering wheel, while you watch the box, if the box appears to be solidly mounted, then it should be ok.

 

I have wondered this but haven't gotten logistics for the second person yet. Would the tires need to be on the ground to provide the right load or friction?

 

I think that would be best.

 

That frame section is shot and either needs to be stripped, cut out and new section properly welded in or taken off the road. Umm, my experience tells me this could lead to a fatality.

 

Yes Ive come to the conclusion that its done being on the road without a lot of welding. There is minimal flex with the wheels off the ground but once it flexes to the point of breaking - thats not worth it.

 

With that being said, if it were mine I would fix it myself to the point it would be better than factory.