Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Superdawg
TDR MEMBER
I have been replacing parts on the front suspension and steering for several years now, some were needed and some were not. I have been trying to fix the slop and lack of power assist that has plagued my truck for years. I won't bore you with too many details but I have gone through several (understatement) pumps, steering gearboxes (stock, Redhead, Borgeson and even the new Mopar big box) and hydroboosts. I even tried my hand at modifying the pump for more flow and pressure. Not worth the trouble, I was unable to get it right. Recently, I have been running the new ZF pump with the new superceded big Mopar box. Big solid box but it was too tight and would not loosen up. Too hard to turn right and left from center.
IMHO I have my doubts that the new ZF pump pushes enough pressure/flow to run that big gearbox or it is restricted in the internals.
I even bought a Miller pressure/flow tester to check the output on the different pumps. Found out the ZF pump was up to spec and others I had were not.
I eventually went back to the new ZF pump and put the Redhead rebuild of the old (small) Mopar box on. (Doesn't everyone have an extra steering box on the shelf?) Holy smokes, this is what steering should be, on a truck anyway. Easy to turn right/left. Very little slop. I guess through the years, I had not put this combo of pump/gearbox together.
I had the Redhead box on before with different, lower output pumps and had some leakage from the box. Harvey at Redhead stands behind his product and warranteed the problem boxes.
This whole ordeal was probably self inflicted, as most persons would have had the shop replace one or several parts and fixed it right in the beginning. I try to do my own work to save money but sometimes it doesn't work out.
The joke (actually more fact) around my house is that Fridays are change your steering box day, whether you need to or not.
So, currently, I have stock tires, the new ZF pump, Redline synthetic power steering fluid, all new high and low pressure lines, rebuilt hydroboost, Redhead steering box (nice!) and a low mount Carli shock to counter the slight right hand pull. I also have an intimate knowledge of the front end of my truck. I could just about change a steering box blindfolded and wearing a tux. It is still not and never will be a BMW but it drives pretty nice for a big truck.
Special thanks to Bob 4x4, MWilson and others who have answered my dumb questions and helped with advice along the way.
Now I am working on how to con the wife into letting me get the GDP fuel filter setup.
Merry Christmas All!
Tom
IMHO I have my doubts that the new ZF pump pushes enough pressure/flow to run that big gearbox or it is restricted in the internals.
I even bought a Miller pressure/flow tester to check the output on the different pumps. Found out the ZF pump was up to spec and others I had were not.
I eventually went back to the new ZF pump and put the Redhead rebuild of the old (small) Mopar box on. (Doesn't everyone have an extra steering box on the shelf?) Holy smokes, this is what steering should be, on a truck anyway. Easy to turn right/left. Very little slop. I guess through the years, I had not put this combo of pump/gearbox together.
I had the Redhead box on before with different, lower output pumps and had some leakage from the box. Harvey at Redhead stands behind his product and warranteed the problem boxes.
This whole ordeal was probably self inflicted, as most persons would have had the shop replace one or several parts and fixed it right in the beginning. I try to do my own work to save money but sometimes it doesn't work out.
The joke (actually more fact) around my house is that Fridays are change your steering box day, whether you need to or not.
So, currently, I have stock tires, the new ZF pump, Redline synthetic power steering fluid, all new high and low pressure lines, rebuilt hydroboost, Redhead steering box (nice!) and a low mount Carli shock to counter the slight right hand pull. I also have an intimate knowledge of the front end of my truck. I could just about change a steering box blindfolded and wearing a tux. It is still not and never will be a BMW but it drives pretty nice for a big truck.
Special thanks to Bob 4x4, MWilson and others who have answered my dumb questions and helped with advice along the way.
Now I am working on how to con the wife into letting me get the GDP fuel filter setup.
Merry Christmas All!
Tom
