03-08 steering box upgrade

[Yo Hoot]

Would it be advisable to also replace the pump and lines with that kind of investment? Looks like a $1000 upgrade

 

[AEdelheit]

Would it be advisable to also replace the pump and lines with that kind of investment? Looks like a $1000 upgrade

At that point I would consider a PSC Hydro assist kit, its like $1400 and includes the intermediate shaft, box, pump, lines and cylinder, should last a very long time.

 

[Bob4x4]

Would it be advisable to also replace the pump and lines with that kind of investment? Looks like a $1000 upgrade

I beleive the kit is about 700



If the pump is good and has seen fluid changes it should be ok... ...

 

[Bob4x4]

At that point I would consider a PSC Hydro assist kit, its like $1400 and includes the intermediate shaft, box, pump, lines and cylinder, should last a very long time.

Hydro assist is not legal on highway in many states... ... ... ... ... .....

 

[AEdelheit]

Hydro assist is not legal on highway in many states... ... ... ... ... .....

I know Full Hydro is not legal but haven't heard that Hydro assist is illegal, intresting

 

[Yo Hoot]

This guy posted pics of his new Dodge upgrade box install
Pictures by signal73 - Photobucket

#ad

 

[seafish]

NICE pic to show the size difference... like I said, it is supposed to be a MAJOR upgrade for our 3rd gen steering box!! MIGHT be the last steeringbox you'll have to buy, though for the price that's a good thing.

 

[mikeberry]

Hydro assist is what every (99. 9%) is from every maker.

Full hydro with no mechanical linkage is illegal in all 50 states for on-road.

 

[Bob4x4]

I think what AAron was talking about are the set ups where you drill and tap the box and add a cylider to push/pull the linkage

 

[PVanderlugt]

Any idea's on how this might be compatible with us 2nd generation guys?

 

[Yo Hoot]

Any idea's on how this might be compatible with us 2nd generation guys?

Well does a third gen box fit a 2nd gen?

 

[PVanderlugt]

I do not know, but maybe someone else out there might!
Pete

 

[Denzin]

Has anyone that replaced the steering box with the new larger one from Geno's ever had any issues with keeping the steeing wheel in the correct position? I understand there is some grinding that needs to be done on the input shaft adapter? Seems as though keeping everything oriented to the correct position could possibly be a problem.

 

[Yo Hoot]

Has anyone that replaced the steering box with the new larger one from Geno's ever had any issues with keeping the steeing wheel in the correct position? I understand there is some grinding that needs to be done on the input shaft adapter? Seems as though keeping everything oriented to the correct position could possibly be a problem.

I have not but certainly if there is an interference at the input it would cause issues.



I'm now doing my research on the new big Dodge unit and figuring on pulling the trigger shortly. Trying to source a newer used pump.

 

[Denzin]

I am talking about keeping every thing aligned as it goes back together. I understand the the adapter shaft needs to have some gringing done to it to match up with the new steering box and the existing steering shaft. Seems as though the grinding needs to be exact to orient the steering wheel with the new box and keeping the wheels perfectly aligned so that the steering wheel is straight when driving down the road.

 

[Bob4x4]

Sounds Micky mouse to me

If it was such a safe or wise thing to do

The builder should do it and take responsibility

 

[seafish]

warranty coverage for steering box

Bob4x4,



My truck has been inspected by myself AND my local dealership service dept.
There is definitely ALOT of side to side play in the steering box shaft where the pitman arm connects. They say that they CAN replace the box under warranty for my truck, but claim that they cannot upgrade to the new box (part# 68170214AA) on my 2005, even though they HAVE done so on another owners 2006 under warranty. Instead they want to replace the steering box with the older, original style.

Can you clarify at all if this steering box upgrade is or might be covered by MaxCare Extended warranty coverage. I can pm you my vin if that helps. By the way, it is the PARTS manager, NOT the service manager who is telling me this, but before I inquire further with the service manager, I thought it best that I might "arm" myself with some good ole "TDR verified" info. I have a decent working relationship with this dealership that I would like to maintain, so I am pretty sure that the service manager might go to bat for me as long as there is something to hit.
Obviously, if Chrysler/Fiat says "no go" they won't do it, and there is nothing else to do but to replace with the older style, or pay out of pocket for the newer one (ouch!!)

TIA for your advice and input.

 

[Bob4x4]

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

 

[mwilson]

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

Oh, those pesky Parts Managers... ... ... .



Tell him to save the one on hand for a transient customer, and to order you the latest and greatest one.



As Bob says, get the service manager on your side. After all, it is not news that Dodge has had a few steering issues over the years...



You have value as you are a repeat customer, that is what is important.

That is the whole logic behind the money spent on the blitz of service offers received in the mail from OEM dealerships.

It is great to attract new customers but survival depends on repeat customers.

You have to think out of the box a little at times but most customers recognize and appreciate it.

I would happily order you the latest steering box even if I had several of the old ones on hand if it would solve your problems.



That is how we roll up here in the sticks.



Mike.

 

[seafish]

Bob4x4 and Mwilson,

Just what I needed to know.

THANKS!!!