Bolt on "6 bolt" steering gear

[JRG]

I have searched around and can't seem to find exact information so here I am.

2003 3500 srw 4x4
6" lift 37x12x22

Assumptions
6 bolt is better than 4 bolt
New is better than remanufactured
Custom rebuilt is better than remanufactured
Bolt on is easier than modified, spacered, retrofit
Cost is a medium factor

Assume I retain my '09 "T" linkage, stock steering shaft, and other bolt on components associated with a 6" lift

Questions?
As I see it there are 2 "new" bolt on options that I would like to compare.

Borgeson 800123 ..........vs..........PSC SG853

There are at least a couple other options like the best available Red Head and Blue Top but those are custom rebuilds and not part of this post at this time.

If you have any experience with either of the direct bolt on boxes, what is your impression?
vs stock 4 bolt?
vs reman 4 bolt?
vs custom rebuilds?

 

[Ozymandias]

You forgot the stock 6-bolt unit from RAM. That is pnp.
68170214AB


It serves me well for 7 years by now and still as thight as it came out of the box.

 

[JRG]

Sorry, but

68170214AB

is not a bolt on for my truck therefore does not qualify.

Bonus points to those who know why.

However, nice to know that gear has held up well.

 

[Ozymandias]

Sorry, but

is not a bolt on for my truck therefore does not qualify.

Bonus points to those who know why.

However, nice to know that gear has held up well.

Yes I'd really like to know why it does fit my 04 but not your 03.

 

[Regcabguy]

You forgot the stock 6-bolt unit from RAM. That is pnp.
68170214AB


It serves me well for 7 years by now and still as tight as it came out of the box.

My friend's got the big Mopar with the stock pump. Nice and tight but it has always required a bit more effort to turn.

 

[Ozymandias]

My friend's got the big Mopar with the stock pump. Nice and tight but it has always required a bit more effort to turn.

Yeah, got it that way to and absolutely love it, gives a good feedback from the road, european style.
I dont like steerings that can be turned with the small finger.

 

[seafish]

My friend's got the big Mopar with the stock pump. Nice and tight but it has always required a bit more effort to turn.

Yeah, got it that way to and absolutely love it, gives a good feedback from the road, european style.

Yup...I also like the former steering. I noticed it when I got the bigger box put on under extended warranty for a PS pump leak on my 2005 (which was probably just the o-ring between the res and original pump) but dealership put the 2009 upgraded pump etc on as the fix !!!

 

[JRG]

Yes I'd really like to know why it does fit my 04 but not your 03.

Assume I retain my '09 "T" linkage, stock steering shaft, and other bolt on components associated with a 6" lift

SKU #: MOP68170214AB MOPAR STEERING BOX UPGRADE KIT 03-08 RAM HD 68170214AB
STARTING AT
$629.00
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Purchase Mopar Steering Box Upgrade Kit 03-08 Ram HD 68170214AB

• WILL THIS FIT YOUR RIG?
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• DESCRIPTION
  
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They finally did it! That's right, Dodge may finally be admitting to the issues with their gearboxes for the 2003-2008 HD Rams. Dodge/Mopar has released a gearbox upgrade for the 2003-2008 2500 and 3500 Rams that comes complete with an extreme duty gear box, pitman arm, and upper tie rod.

This is one of the beefiest steering boxes we've seen. The first thing you notice when you just LOOK at this box is the HUGE sector shaft, like nothing we've seen before! This sector shaft coupled with the upgraded internals will help to eliminate the Dodge steering wander issues that have plagued them for years. If you are running a lift kit that requires a dropped pitman arm, you will have to replace your existing pitman arm with one designed for this larger gear box. Another option for those with a 4-6" lift, is to install our Pure Performance steering linkage upgrades that actually uses a stock pitman arm, because it properly corrects the steering geometry, without the need for a dropped pitman arm. Also, if you have a steering box brace, you have several options as the original box will not work with this box. First, you can just take it off as in many cases, you will no longer need it with the beefier box. Secondly, you can order an entirely new brace designed to work with this steering box. And finally, you can order a new sector shaft extension nut designed to work with the larger sector shaft, and in most cases, you will also need to reposition the bearing capture plate which involves cutting it off and re-welding it in the proper place. And as always, if you have any questions about proper fitment with your particular application give us a call.

 

[Regcabguy]

Yup...I also like the former steering. I noticed it when I got the bigger box put on under extended warranty for a PS pump leak on my 2005 (which was probably just the o-ring between the res and original pump) but dealership put the 2009 upgraded pump etc on as the fix !!!

Those are expensive pumps too. You did well with the service agreement.

 

[GrantP]

dup

 

[seafish]

Those are expensive pumps too. You did well with the service agreement.

Yes... the service manager and I got a long really well at this dealership!!!

He owns his own private towing and repair and smog shop now, but I still stop in sometimes to say hi.

 

[JRG]

Seems nobody has used or has any comments about the Borgeson 800123 or PSC SG853 6 bolt gears.

I have done some digging and and have come up with some information I figured I would share. If you have differing info let us know.

1. These 2 gears are new and not remanufactured
2. These 2 gears are bigger and use larger components than the original '03-'12 4 bolt gear
3. The sector shaft has been made to accept the original '03-'12 4 bolt pitman arm
4. Borgeson 800123 requires slight modifications and is made in China
5. PSC SG853 is an exact fit and is made in the USA

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Amazon
Borgeson 800123 Power Steering Box

• Package Dimensions: 36.195 H x 19.608 L x 31.597 W (centimeters)
• Country of Origin : China
• Package Weight: 19.890 kilograms

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Summit

Brand:Performance Steering Components PSC
Manufacturer's Part Number:SG853
Part Type:Steering Boxes
Product Line:PSC Big Bore Steering Gears
Summit Racing Part Number:PFN-SG853
UPC:687927184121
Steering Box Style:Front steer
Steering Box Typeower assist
Steering Ratio:14:1
Steering Box Material:Cast iron
Steering Box Finishainted black
Mounting Bracket Included:No
Pitman Arm Included:No
Quantity:Sold individually.
Notes:Uses factory pitman arm.

PSC Big Bore XD steering gears are 100 percent new gears that offer more turning force. These gear boxes feature larger piston diameters, which increase the torque output of the steering gear. And the extra torque is what your Jeep needs to overcome steering issues due to larger tires and/or locking differentials that have been installed. PSC Big Bore XD steering gears are assembled in the USA with all-new components inside the casted and machined new housings.

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I'm seeing the PSC as the better gear but am still compiling information and have 1 or 2 other thoughts that I am not ready to throw out there quite yet. At the very least I wanted to post some real information that others may find useful.

 

[CJ8Rockcrawler]

Out of curiousity, where did you end up going with this? I was intending to use the Mopar upgrade, but might consider the Borgeson or PSC box now from what I'm seeing here.