2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission questions about steering boxes

[Hitec.Redneck]

Well it's time to change out the steering box on my 02-2500. Took the truck to the shop and they determined the slop is from the steering box, not the ball joints. They suggested to replace the steering box with an OEM box, which are pretty expensive, they say they have done several of these and had poor results with aftermarket steering boxes.



I am interested in finding out from the folks that have already changed their box, what brand did you use and were you happy with the results? How many miles have you driven on the replacement box and is the slop still gone?



Thanks

 

[VolsFan]

I just changed mine. I have the DSS on the truck too. I got the oem box from Napa. It was around $400 with a $230 core. The price was right so I got it. It does ok, but I think the borgeson one showed in the genos catalog would do better after reading others results, but it is twice the price. Also, did you try screwing in the allen screw on top of the box to see if it removes excessive play?

 

[snappy]

I have used these guys www.powersteering.com to rebuild my box and pump. If you do a search on them, there is a lot to read. I would use them again. It was years and many miles ago that they rebuilt mine. I installed a steering box stablizer, DSS to keep it good. The DSS was a noticeable improvement to both front ends.

 

[WilsonF]

You might try looking into "Redhead Steering" in Seattle Wa. I've read good reports about them.

Floyd

 

[Hitec.Redneck]

The adjustment was done, you could tell that something changed, but the slop is still there. They verified the alignment, after 211K miles, its still spot on, its never been changed since I bought the truck.

 

[BarryG]

I have heard nothing but good about the Redhead boxes mentioned above. I need to get one but since the truck isnt my daily driver anymore I just havent got around to it yet.

 

[David411]

Borgeson came out with a new box for our trucks, finally a modern solution to the crap boxes that come with the trucks.
I love mine.

 

[ewcmr2]

Last week I finally replace my original (275k) box with one from Autozone. Nothing special/upgraded. $168 with lifetime warranty. Rebuilt by Atsco in Phoenix AZ.

Part Number: 7547



So far so good. If it doesn't last no biggie, I'll just swap in a new one as necessary.

 

[hsmith]

I went with the new borgenson unit. Only 2k so can't talk about reliability but coming from Geno's I am confident it is a good product. It is an easy install if you already have their steering shaft. Also it mounts 3/8 inch farther off frame so affects toe in.

Certainly is a vast improvement over the oe which was getting a bit tired. Also took care of what I thought was a column clunk noise. Glad I made this choice.

 

[hsmith]

Correction to my previous post. 2k is miles, and it changes steering wheel center, not toe in.

 

[David411]

Yah thats why the drag link has to be shortened 3/8", my steering wheel is slightly off center as well. The box is centered but the shaft isn't, shaft needs to be rotated an 1/8 of a turn to the left.

 

[hsmith]

The drag link on mine is not adjustable. Had to adjust both sides.

 

[Cowboy]

out of curiosity, I called NAPA today, (bored, needed a job) they quoted a price of 163. 50 plus a core of 222. 22 then called car quest, 190. (approx) with a core of 222. 22, so the rebuilder is probably the same and the steering gear is available EVERYWHERE for about the same price, 1/2 of the Borgeson unit, they both have a limited lifetime warranty for parts and workmanship, but it is a wear item,so it will need replacement (way) down the road but you will still have the bucks to buy another one still in the bank from the money you saved by going OE rebuilt.

 

[David411]

out of curiosity, I called NAPA today, (bored, needed a job) they quoted a price of 163. 50 plus a core of 222. 22 then called car quest, 190. (approx) with a core of 222. 22, so the rebuilder is probably the same and the steering gear is available EVERYWHERE for about the same price, 1/2 of the Borgeson unit, they both have a limited lifetime warranty for parts and workmanship, but it is a wear item,so it will need replacement (way) down the road but you will still have the bucks to buy another one still in the bank from the money you saved by going OE rebuilt.

Yes but do you where the unit is getting rebuilt?

Who is doing the rebuild and what qualifications do they have?

What parts are they using and of what quality are they?

The stock unit is an outdated box, the bearings are not large enough to support the steering arm.

When you buy the Borgeson box you are buying a box that is made in the US by people who know what they are doing with high quality parts.

I find it funny how people have no problem buying a 700$ chip or engine mod but question buying a 400$ steering box. I would trade my chip for this box any day, it made the truck so much easier to drive.

 

[VolsFan]

I agree with buying a quality box as well. The reman napa box that is in my truck that has around 1500 miles on it has crapped out on me already! Ordered a Borgeson box monday, I think it will be worth the money. The chrysler box is a piece of junk. So you get what you pay for.

 

[klaybus]

I had 217k miles on my 99 & my frontend was shot. Have a buddy who is a front-end man replace ALL of the worn out parts & while that improved things, it wasn't all that was wrong. Next came the Borgeson box & Borgeson shaft which was a huge difference! With all of the front-end components replaced, & both the box & shaft replaced, it was a much improved ride! At that time I also wanted to go with a DSS but they were still hit & miss as far as working due to the Borgeson box being 3\8" furthur to the passenger side.

UPDATE: Just got Rips 1st modified DSS & fits like a glove! I've got my truck back to where it drives like when I bought it! Actually, it drives better. I believe Rip is putting together a 2nd Gen steering package for anyone interested in getting their truck back to driving they way it used to... . JMHO, but it works for me! Source Automotive

 

[WestTN]

Have you tried to adjust the steering box correctly? Many times it is blamed and really isn't at fault. Adjust the end play first and then the adjustmewnt screw on the top of the box. That one is the rack clearance. Then, see how the truck drives.



4 wheel drive is notorius for problems with driveability on these trucks while 2 wheel drive trucks seem to have few if any problems. The steering box is the same for all of them.

 

[Extreme1]

I did the AutoZone box and it was fine for a couple years. I waited until I could afford the DSS and got a free warrantee replacement box and did them both at the same time. If you are running a quality fluid and have a DSS to support the load, the boxes are all pretty much on the same playing field.



Does the Borgeson box have a different housing that would acomodate bigger bearings? I haven't seen one.



I plan on replacing my 4X4 (variable ratio) box with a 1/2 ton 2X4 box, much better ratio. I really don't like the vague feeling the stock boxes come with from the variable ratio. I had a '94 1/2 tone 2X4 and the think felt like a 'vette compared to my 3500 4X4.



Different (and not variable) ratio, that's another factor that would make an aftermarket box feel better.

 

[Sticks]

Have you tried to adjust the steering box correctly? Many times it is blamed and really isn't at fault. Adjust the end play first and then the adjustmewnt screw on the top of the box. That one is the rack clearance. Then, see how the truck drives...

I tripped over the TSB for that a while ago, that gave the instructions on how to do it, but as usual, have no idea where it went.

Anyone have it?

Edited to add - A lot of the other steering box threads recommend going with the 3 turn replacement rather than the 3 3/4 or 4 turn boxes that are stock.

 

[Beast2B]

I did the AutoZone box and it was fine for a couple years. I waited until I could afford the DSS and got a free warrantee replacement box and did them both at the same time. If you are running a quality fluid and have a DSS to support the load, the boxes are all pretty much on the same playing field.



Does the Borgeson box have a different housing that would acomodate bigger bearings? I haven't seen one.



I plan on replacing my 4X4 (variable ratio) box with a 1/2 ton 2X4 box, much better ratio. I really don't like the vague feeling the stock boxes come with from the variable ratio. I had a '94 1/2 tone 2X4 and the think felt like a 'vette compared to my 3500 4X4.



Different (and not variable) ratio, that's another factor that would make an aftermarket box feel better.

Have you seen the details of the replacement Borgeson box? Do you think this is a better mousetrap or just hype? They say larger bearings, 3. 5 turns and a larger power steering piston... Just looking for more knowledgable input as I'm ready for a better box and shaft!

BORGESON REPLACEMENT STEERING BOX ('94-'02)-Dodge Cummins Diesel Truck Accessories – Geno’s Garage