03-08 steering box upgrade

[Spooled05]

I have to tell you all... . this upgrade has transformed my front end. Not only are all of my issues fixed, it behaves like never before. I just did a 35 mile highway trip on Pennsylvania highway. Zero bump steer. Zero shake. Excellent road feel through the steering wheel, meaning there is plenty of feedback but road bumps are not felt.

I really think that this new box, the 2008 steering linkage and the EMF modified track bar is the final word.

I'm beyond happy.

This is good to hear! I ordered the new box a couple days ago and cant wait to get it installed

 

[Spooled05]

Well i got the new box and am ready to get it installed , just wondering if anyone has torque specs on box to frame bolts and sector shaft nut?

Thanks,Zack

 

[Yo Hoot]

Pitman 225
Steering box to frame 145

 

[Spooled05]

Thanks hoot!

 

[Yo Hoot]

Why is it that after spending $1500 and a couple of days being a grease monkey makes me happy?

 

[seafish]

Why is it that after spending $1500 and a couple of days being a grease monkey makes me happy?

Simply because you know that the work is done RIGHT and you did NOT have to pay anyone else, EVEN MORE, to do it wrong!!!

 

[Yo Hoot]

Saving up for injectors now. Problem is, I would like to have an expert do a diagnosis. Unfortunately these websites suck for help in finding a local shop. Everybody and the sites are too touchy when it comes to recommending businesses that don't put money in their own pockets.

SE PA Delmarva... . east coast..... good diesel shop that knows Cummins common rail... . PM me if you know any.

I don't even know where to post this question.

 

[seafish]

Yo Hoot, be sure to check ot the BBI injectors that Marco, of Smarty fame, is having built NEW in Europe. While JUST as, or even more expensive,then a set of new Bosch, they seem to be extremely well recieved on other forums. Just to be clear, these are NOT just tips, but a wholly manufactured injector bbuilt by one of the premiere Bosch injector patent holders.
Search around a little and see what you find, just be sure to be sitting down when you see the price.
Pretty sure that the good people at Source Automotive in Oregon are the ONLY distributors, but they are along time TDR sponsor with a great reputation. The may be able to recommend someone oin your area for the work.

 

[Bob4x4]

Saving up for injectors now. Problem is, I would like to have an expert do a diagnosis. Unfortunately these websites suck for help in finding a local shop. Everybody and the sites are too touchy when it comes to recommending businesses that don't put money in their own pockets.

SE PA Delmarva... . east coast..... good diesel shop that knows Cummins common rail... . PM me if you know any.

I don't even know where to post this question.

Have you talked to these guys?
http://www.littlepowershop.com/

 

[Yo Hoot]

Have you talked to these guys?
http://www.littlepowershop.com/

That's pretty far.

seafish... yea but before I do something like that I want to know why I'm doing it.

 

[R.Taylor]

I'm doing the box upgrade... . Should I do the pump as well?

 

[Yo Hoot]

I'm doing the box upgrade... . Should I do the pump as well?

It's not a requirement and it will cost you $500. The new pump is physically different than the 04 pump I had on my truck but it bolts up the same. All stock lines work the same so if your lines are good you don't need them. Your truck is an 06. I don't know what version is on yours or when they made the changes on the pumps. I did it because I wanted the whole system upgraded. I did read somewhere that the new pump is redesigned for better output.

 

[R.Taylor]

Got my box replaced by the dealer under warranty today... With the new box. Well, It's stiff as a dead cat. Too stiff, Driving on a crowned road and having to hold the wheel right is a *****. The old box only took a finger to steer full left or right... This new one takes a handful. Not sure I like it... . Going for alignment tomorrow from an independent as the dealership can never get it right. I'll chime back in later...

 

[Yo Hoot]

I did not have the same experience at all. Maybe because I replaced the pump with the newer one? My steering going down the road is about the same as far as stiffness if not less stiff.

 

[seafish]

My steering felt just alittle stiffer when I had this done under warranty last year, but it has since eased up as well (or I have gotten used to the feel of it). Overall, it is a GREAT upgrade to the steering on my truck.

 

[Yo Hoot]

Be sure you all have a look at the steering linkage final angles of the joints as per the instructions that come with the steering linkage I posted earlier. If you have the ends of the links off and not closely matching the opposite side, you could do some harm to your joints at extreme articulation.

 

[MAshley]

IS there a preferred vendor to order all these bits from? I have a 06 with worn stock parts. and a leaking steering box. I can't say i have big issues but I have to pay attention while driving...

 

[Shadrach]

To those of you who have updated the box, and or pump, now that you have some miles on them how are things? My 03 has the 08 linkage Dyna Trac ball joints and the DSS and I still find it "loose". It also has a leak, so I will have to fix something anyway. Right now the truck is parked in a snow bank so I'm in no hurry and I've spent enough money already on this truck. David

 

[Yo Hoot]

Holding up well here. Just a smidge less tight than after the completion. Got 140,000 miles on the truck now... 123,000 miles when I finished the upgrade and almost a year ago.
o 17,000 miles so far.

 

[Ozymandias]

@ Shadrach

I did the box and the linkage in Fall and so far I'm very happy with it, feels tight like a European Car with good road feel.

Will do now a 7000M Travel over the Holidays around the Baltic Sea and tell you after if it stays like this.