4x4 steering shaft replacement

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My 1991 4x4 is ready for the expected steering shaft replacement. What I have is a good deal of slop in the steering wheel. I have inspected the tie rods and the rest of the front end and it is in good shape. The problem lies in the bottom joint of the steering shaft. Right where it goes into the steering gear box, there is some kind of square looking joint that has seen it's better days. I can grab the shaft and move it around inside of the joint. I hear there is a company that sells a kit to replace this joint with a sturdier unit. Anybody experienced this problem and what was the solution? Also, after spending about 15 minutes looking at the rascal, I can't figure out how that sucker comes out of there. There are no bolts to unbolt or anything. Do I need some kind of divine intervention or what? What is the procedure for removing this?

Thanks,
Pat Daniels
1991 4x4

 

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Pat
I just got done with doing mine about a month ago, I ordered the Borgeson, I quess that is how it is spelled. Check the TDR or the advertisement on this site.

Rodney

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92 2500 Reg. Cab LE
Dark Spectrum Blue and Silver 4x4 Auto
209,000 plus miles
16cm2 housing

 

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Hey Pat,it looks like the Borgeson shaft assembly is the one to go with,as an off road fan anyone who runs big tires will need to replace the shaft,other than high milage situations. Ive never had the problem becouse I run the oem size tires.

 

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Pat,
I just replaced my steering joint this summer. This was before I was a member and knew of the 'improved' version. If you are replacing the entire shaft, there are the four 12 pt bolts in the shaft just below the master cylinder and a roll pin in the bottom by the steering box. From experience, the hardest part is getting the roll pin out. I got the shaft in a good position and locked the wheels in place so that I could get a hammer and a punch. Then using a pry bar on the steering box end I was able to 'contort' it out. If you are replaceing the joint then there is a small 'pin' to keep the joint from separating. Good Luck.

Matt



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90 3/4 ton, 4x4, 5-speed, 3. 54 gears.

 

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Pat
I agree with everyone else, the stock steering box does wear out. I've rebuilt mine twice. I've heard good and bad reports about the borgeson replacement part. The boreson unit is expensive. The stock box can be rebuilt for a few dollars, granted it will wear out again. I'd like to hear from someone who has a borgeson with a few miles on it before I pay 2-3 hundred dollars for one.
Gene Hayford
92 350 4x4

 

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I've got 150k miles on the truck, and installed the Borgeson steering shaft at 30k. I recommend this unit to anyone who wants to eliminate slop and wander, along with poly bushings in the leaf springs. It goes a long way toward enhancing your tire life.

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92cum'ns 5spd 4wd all possible mods. to void warranty.

 

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Thanks to all who have replied to my post. I am ordering one tomorrow and have already started applying WD-40 to the roll pin and gear box shaft. My truck has 112,000 on it and has had the OEM size tires on it until the last 2,000 miles when I put some 265/75-16 BFG AT's on it. These tires are the same height as stock just 1" wider, so I think the joint just wore out due to use. If I hit any snags I'm sure you'll read about it here.

Pat Daniels
91 4x4

 

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Pat
After you get the four botls out at the top and the roll pin out at the bottom push the shaft further down so that the top will clear. Then you'll be able to get it out. With the four bolts out you'll find that theres a hard rubber piece and a thin metal piece that fits between the two ends. It's like a coupler between the two shafts. I don't know if the borgeson comes with replacements. The rubber pice will wear out also. They are still available thur dodge.
Maybe it's time I tried one of these borgeson shafts also.
Gene Hayford
92 350 4x4

 

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I ordered the Borgeson steering shaft today. It wound up costing $191 plus $7 to ship out here to California. I have no idea what hardware or parts come with the unit. I'll let you know how things turn out. I expect it won't be here for atleast a week since it's coming from Connecticut and it will be vying for space with all of the Christmas presents. God speed to my steering shaft...
Pat