03-08 steering box upgrade

[AEdelheit]

Well I installed the 68170214AA steering box this weekend, its much bigger then the Original box, which it what Red Head rebuilds so it also much bigger then a Red Head. I actually had to trim my fan shroud and re clock the pressure line coming off the PS pump to make it fit. The steering feels great, I was having issues with little to no assist at low speeds, especially trying to back up a trailer, I havent towed with it yet but I can turn the wheel with one finger stopped which I couldnt do before, FYI im running a 37"x14 tire. The steering brace I was running will not work since the sector shaft is so much bigger, regardless of steering brace brand it wont work with the new box.



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[Superdawg]

Nice pics and write up.

Please keep us posted on how it steers after driving it around. I have done more than I want to remember in trying to tighten up the loose steering issues. Thanks for biting the bullet and being the test case.

Tom

 

[Hawk]

Ok guys here's my question, what is the difference between the Mopar piece and the Borgeson box Borgeson Universal Company :: Dodge Truck 1979-08 :: Dodge Ram Truck Steering Boxes

My plan is to put in a new steering box, steering shaft, carli ball joints and upgraded steering linkage. I only want to do this once so. What are your thoughts on the Dodge box and the Borgeson box?

 

[pwerwagn]

I was referring to the rebuilt Redhead box versus the OE in the early trucks... so :-laf at yourself. If they are breaking, the OE would suffer the same as it utilizes the same components. I was not referring to the newer steering gear box...



You should read, AND COMPREHEND what you've read, before taking a cheap shot at someone...

Are you implying sector shafts AREN'T breaking on stock boxes?



This seems like the ticket to replace our stockers. Im still afraid to drive mine hard in the desert and loose steering again.

 

[WesJohnston]

I love the thought of the new, beefier box and components but would hate to lose the stability that my BD stabilizer provided after installing a rebuilt box. Isn't part of the inherent problem in the steering due to the sideways flex in the frame? It seems to me that the new box, although apparently bulletproof, would still flex side to side with the frame without a stabilizer..... Am I wrong? Is BD coming out with a fix/new model?

 

[Bob4x4]

The flex is due to the size and length of the unsupported sector shaft not frame flex

 

[Skyd Ram]

I love the thought of the new, beefier box and components but would hate to lose the stability that my BD stabilizer provided after installing a rebuilt box. Isn't part of the inherent problem in the steering due to the sideways flex in the frame? It seems to me that the new box, although apparently bulletproof, would still flex side to side with the frame without a stabilizer..... Am I wrong? Is BD coming out with a fix/new model?

BD does have a new one in the works specifically for this box. Oo.

 

[AEdelheit]

Update on the box, drives like a different truck! moved 2 trailers this weekend in tight spots, never had an issue turning the wheel with one hand like before, cruising down the highway the steering reminds me more of my GF's Jeep Liberty then my truck, super responsive! Only 2 things to note, I do notice more road feedback in the wheel, I need to measure the old one to be sure but I believe the sector shaft is further from the frame so the drag link is a bit shorter changing the geometry a bit with the track bar and causing it, not bad but its there. I also noticed a couple times in parking lot situations, 3-7mph with lots of turning, where the steering gets a bit stiffer for a split second but Im guessing thats my pump having a hard time keeping up with the bigger box. Over all a huge improvement!!

 

[seafish]

The old steering box part# supersedes to the new version. The parts manager,I will guess wants to rid his inventory of the old part # first. The parts manager has to answer to the dealer principle on his inventory. It sounds to me simply an economic decision. Perhaps if you have been a good customer your service manager he could go to bat for you and get the parts manager to order the newer version for you.



The max care does cover the steering gear

My truck is at the dealership for it's final warranty repairs.

As you talked about earlier, they ARE going to use the upgraded Mopar Steering box #68170214AA to replace the failing steering box on my truck.



Also turns out that the PS pump is leaking from the shaft... .



Hoping that someone can clarify if the newer PS pump "kit"--



Part#'s 68034326AB (Kit- pump and pulley), 68034303AB (reservoir, PS pump), and 68100252AA (Bracket, PS pump)



might ALSO be installed and PAID for under warranty, or would Mopar only be responsible for replacing with the older style PS pump that came with the truck??



TIA

 

[Bob4x4]

The old pump supersedes to the new kit so if the pump is covered by your contract you should be good to go

 

[seafish]

The old pump supersedes to the new kit so if the pump is covered by your contract you should be good to go

OK... thanks for the info. I'll post back top let you guys know how the whole process goes!!!

 

[DonFitzwater]

How did it turn out Seafish? I just bought the box upgrade from dodge and will be installing tonight.

 

[jhenderson]

I think you will find it was designed to stabilize the sector shaft , not the frame.

 

[Superdawg]

I put the new Mopar pump and updated Mopar steering gear in. Still too stiff of steering for my liking. I replaced the hydroboost w/ a Napa rebuilt. Steering got a little more assist.

In a parked position, steering hard right to left, I could still see the whole box moving with the frame. I cut and welded the old Defiant steering brace to fit the new position, using a new pitman arm nut from BD to fit the bearing sleeve.

I still wanted to know if the pump was operating to spec. I bought a used Miller pressure/flow tester on ebay.

Cut and pasted from a previous thread:

Ryan, it should be in your manuals also. This is from 2006. The flow (3. 5 to 4. 0 GPM) is more important than the pressure (1800 ± 50 psi) on a diesel. Without the pressure/flow tool you will be hard pressed to determine the flow.


FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST
1. Check the power steering belt to ensure it is in good condition and adjusted properly.
2. Connect pressure gauge hose from the Power Steering Analyzer to adapter 6826.

***actually, this goes to the test valve end

3. Connect tube 6825A to Power Steering Analyzer test valve end.

***actually, this tube goes to the test gauge side

4. Disconnect the high pressure hose from the power steering pump.
5. Connect the tube 6825A to the pump fitting.
6. Connect the power steering hose from the steering gear to the adapter 6826.
NOTE: If fluid leaked from the steering system, it should be filled to correct lervel prior to starting the
engine.
7. Open the test valve completely.
8. Start engine and let idle long enough to circulate power steering fluid through flow/pressure test gauge and to get
air out of the fluid. Then shut off engine.
9. Check fluid level, add fluid as necessary. Start engine again and let idle.
10. Gauge should read below 862 kPa (125 psi), if above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as necessary.
The initial pressure reading should be in the range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi).

***I initially got a reading of 125 psi. Seemed a little high. I bypassed the Magnafine filter and cooler and ran the return line out of the steering box straight to the reservior. Dang, that fluid gets hot quick.
Bypassing the filter and cooler dropped the idle psi to 95/100 psi.

11. Increase the engine speed to 1500 RPM and read the flow meter. If the flow rate (GPM) is below specification,
(refer to pump specification chart for GPM) the pump should be replaced.

***@1500 rpm = 200 psi/3. 5 gpm. At the lower end but within spec.


CAUTION: The following test procedure involves testing maximum pump pressure output and flow control
valve operation. Do not leave valve closed for more than three seconds as the pump could be damaged.
12. Close valve fully three times and record highest pressure indicated each time. All three readings must be
above specifications and within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other.

***closed valve at 1500 rpm 3 times= 1790 psi +/- within 50 psi of each other. Within spec.

² Pressures above specifications but not within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other, replace pump.
² Pressures within 345 kPa (50 psi) of each other but below specifications, replace pump.
13. Open the test valve and turn the steering wheel to the extreme left and right positions three times against the
stops. Record the highest pressure reading at each position. Compare readings to the pump specifications
chart. If pressures readings are not within 50 psi of each other, the gear is leaking internally and must be
replaced.

*** against stops 3 times= 1800 psi 3. 5 gpm

CAUTION: Do not force the pump to operate against the stops for more than 2 to 3 seconds at a time
because, pump damage will result.
PUMP SPECIFICATION
ENGINE RELIEF PRESSURE ± 65 FLOW RATE (GPM) AT 1500 RPM
1500 series 11032 kPa (1615 ± 65 psi) 3. 1 - 3. 5
2500 & 3500
series
12400 kPa (1800 ± 50 psi) 3. 5 - 4. 0

Apparently, this exercise told me the pump is working up to specification.

So, for now I took the Magnafine filter out. I then disconnected the Mopar steering dampner and that lightened the steering a little more. It's not too bad now but I would still like it a little lighter. I'm not too worried driving without the steering dampner because the front end is damn tight with Carli BJ and fairly new steering parts.

I heard the hydroboost on my 2004 was superceded to a new part number which requires a new master cylinder. Anybody know if the new hydroboost is supposed to allow more pressure/flow to the steering gear. What was the reason for the new design?

Love the Cummins. Not so much on the Dodge steering parts.

 

[seafish]

How did it turn out Seafish? I just bought the box upgrade from dodge and will be installing tonight.

My wife is bringing the truck home from the dealership as I write. I won't have a chance to drive it until later this week when I have a unit of lumber to deliver, but I will take it for a quick run tomorrow AND take some photos to post from underneath. I will also reinstall the Defiant Steering Box stabilizer that I took off before bringing the truck in to the dealer for repairs.

I have high hopes that this steering gear, with the exception of ball joints (second set still well within Chrsylers very loose specs) will last the life of the truck, but that remains to be seen.

 

[seafish]

IMORTANT FYI-- I also have purchased item# ZSBNT03 from PSC Steering Warehouse in Fort Worth, TX, which is their new, LARGER nut with a smooth 1" shaft extension that WILL fit the new Mopar steering sector shaft/pitman arm on the upgraded steering box, as well as fit into the bearing of a "standardized" steering box support bracket, as long as it has the 1" ID bearing. They said that the plate that supports the bearing may need to be adjusted side to side and front to back some in order to fit, but that it IS made to work with PSC's old steering box support and the new mopar steering box. As I have a Defiant steering box stazbilizer, it already has some laetral adjustment built into it's design, so I am hoping that the bearing will slide right onto the new nut, before I tighten down the bracket, but if I need to I will enlarge the holes where the bearing plate is mounted to the main support until I can get the new shaft/nut to slide into the old bearing support. I hope that makes sense, but I'll try to take pics when I reinstall the Defiant Support. All that being said, one CAN use an "old" style steering box support with a new Mopar steering box, as long as one is willing to buy a $40 part from PSC.

 

[Denzin]

OK guys, I changed the old steering box out of my 05 4x4 with the replacement from Geno's (part# BORG-800116). I did not have to do any cutting of the shroud and everything fit just fine. Am happy with the new box and have driven the truck for awhile to see how everything worked. The steering effort from the driver is very minimal and does well at idle while turning the wheel when not moving. The only thing I noticed is that my turning radius is considerably larger than before. It turns more like a GM truck and I wish that the info was in the catalog about the change in the turning radius. I probably would have gone with a different SB had I known this. Anyone else notice this difference?

 

[Yo Hoot]

My front end is falling apart.
I installed the updated 08 steering linkage back in 08. The link at the pitman arm is about ready to pop off. I never used the recall so I'm working with Dodge to give me a new linkage assy. Looks like they may. Find out later today.

Steering box is shot. Sector shaft moves all over the place even with the Defiant brace. I can't imagine what it would do if I removed the brace.

Thuren trac bar heim joint is gone.

Cost is gonna be well over $1000

Just ordered the complete steering box upgrade from a dealer.
68170214AA Steering Box
68034326AB Kit- pump and pulley
68034303AB reservoir, PS pump
68100252AA Bracket, PS pump

Still have to get the ZSBNT03 from PSC Steering Warehouse and the heim joint. Waiting for Thuren to get back on the joint.

Right now my truck is outright dangerous to drive.

 

[pwerwagn]

Isnt there something about the 08 steering, that if installed incorrectly, will cause the rod end at the pitman arm to prematurely fail? I seem to recall a thread Don Thuren started about the problem... you might ask him.



Sucks how much $$ steering box's are. Mines gonna be due for another soon.

 

[Yo Hoot]

Yea I got a call in to Don.