Borgeson Steering Safts, are they worth it?

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For some time now I have put up with the wandering steering and have receiently read about the Borgeson Steering Saft assemblies. The advertising makes them out to be the cure-all for Dodge steering problems, could it be that simple? At $300+ for an assembley, my question to you folks is this: is it worth it? Has anyone had good luck with this item? Has it made a big difference in the way the truck handles? It is something I would truley like to fix since my wife does not like driving the truck because of the steering problem.

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1997 2500 ST 4x4, 5-speed, 4. 10 axle, TST 60lb boost @ EGT gauges, TST #12 230hp/605ftlb plate & AFC Spring kit

 

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FATCAT:

I too am about in need of a new
steering shaft assembly. To add
to what you have already written,
I would like to know if any other
TDR members think the steering
shaft assembly from "Flaming River"
is as good as the "Borgeson" or
vice-versa. Like you I would like
to get "the most for my money. "
Maybe we will hear from someone
soon.




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Red '96 4x4 2500 Auto 3. 54, TST #5, Pump Mods, Banks Exhaust, Prime Loc, Cummins Chrome Kit, Pro-Torque Converter, BD Valve Body, Sendel 16" Alum Wheels w/ 33" BFGs

 

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Just received my Borgeson today. Install tomorrow. I'll let you know afterward if it rates up there with sliced bread!

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'95 2500 LB 2WD, auto, 66,000--Westech gauges, Prime-loc, Brite box, Line X, Flowmaster muffler--more to come!

 

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The Bor. shaft is what they say. I put one on my 96 and it made the steering more positive. The wandering can be taken out with the steering box adj. Flaming River, I don't know. Probably just as good. Go with the money.
Good luck.
Preston

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96 3500 Black 5 speed turbo diesel, SLT, with US Gear overdrive, Rhino liner, Reese 15,000 lb. fifth wheel hitch, US Gear de-celarator exhaust brake, muffler elimination kit, Amsoil lub. , with other goodys on the way.

 

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Kodiak and Preston:

Thanks for the replies to FATCAT and
my questions on the steering shafts.

Kodiak;
Let us know what you think about
yours.

 

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I don't have any "wander" my truck runs straight and true, but going around bends the steering wheel has a vibration to it, like someone is tapping the steering wheel with a screwdriver. Is this caused by the steering shaft. Per usual my dealer says there is "no problem found".

 

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FATCAT I put a Borgeson steering shaft on my '94 two years ago and have been extremely happy. Snap to install and the company makes a fine product. I guess the only one that can decide if it's worth the price is you. It has my vote.

 

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my 4x4 seems to be loose on the road. i have crawled all under and see no loose joints in any of the parts. is the problems with the steering shafts and trackbars something that can be visulized easily? if so mine must be ok. which makes me "wander" where the wander is coming from.

 

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I have one on my '95 and it's not worth the money! I did not notice any difference in my steering... but then I spent some money and had my front end rebuilt (track bar, bushings, etc) and then my steering was a lot better! If you buy one, you'll know what I'm talking about. Just my . 02 cents worth.

 

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Borgeson was installed last night. It was a little harder to install than I anticipated because the lower splines had to be tapped in. Got a friend who’s a top wrench handle it. However, whole process took less than an hour.

Made a huge difference in handling. No more clicking and clunking going around curves and highway wander is nil. If you get one, take a moment when you pull the old one off and set it next to the Borgeson. Borgeson feels like it weighs twice as much and the orig. looks like pot metal and plastic next to it.

I feel good about the move and feel like it was money well spent.

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'95 2500 LB 2WD, auto, 66,000--Westech gauges, Prime-loc, Brite box, Line X, Flowmaster muffler--more to come!

 

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For those of you who are on the fence on the Borgeson install, check this link
http://www.ecpe.vt.edu/~dfritz/technical/STEERING/borgeson/shaft_replace.html

It's a combo review/install tips, and I found it helpful.

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'95 2500 LB 2WD, auto, 66,000--Westech gauges, Prime-loc, Brite box, Line X, Flowmaster muffler--more to come!

 

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Thank you folks for all your input and Kodiak for the link to the installation instructions they will come in handy when I place my order for the steering shaft, but I think at this time there is a TDR member's wife who needs the steering shaft money more than my truck (refer to EMERGENCY HELP NEEDED post on this board). That money will be sent ASAP. Thanks again for all your help.

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1997 2500 ST 4x4, 5-speed, 4. 10 axle, TST 60lb boost @ EGT gauges, TST #12 230hp/605ftlb plate & AFC Spring kit

 

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Fatcat,

Very commendable. Not many people think of others before themselves (or their truck!) these days. If you find out an address or bank account, please post it.

Thanks.

 

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Deanna Haines Cancer Fund
c/o Mason National Bank
P. O. Box 1789
Mason, TX 76856

Kwikkurt has pledged to match every $100 donation from a TDR member- let's make him pay! (jk)

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Bill Lins Wharton, TX 98 2500 QC SLT,12 (the CORRECT # of)valves,NV4500,3. 54 LSD,Manik grille guard,Semi-Psychotty Air,Amsoil everywhere, Reading aluminum utility body and bumper,Optima yellow tops- silencer ring & muffler stolen.

 

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I have had two Borgeson Shafts and I prefer the Flaming River shaft. It doesn't rust up as fast and the sliding joint works better longer.

JJP, I also have the same clunking and would love to fix it. The Borgeson shaft only made it worse because the sliding joint made it happen on bumps in addition to turning. It seems to be a loose bearing in the column assembly. $350 to fix. If anyone wants to know more or give me advice on the subject e-mail me.

 

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My two cents on the steering shaft topic. I ordered the shaft you're considering, mounted it up, and test drove my truck. No appreciable difference, so I took that puppy off, put it back in its bubble pack and box, and sent it back to the sender.

I drove my truck to the dealership and they installed, free of charge, a new intermediate steering shaft. The new Dodge shaft is much stout er than the original. Every bit as beefed-up as the after market offerings. I'd consider this route, first, if I were you. You may find yourself saving a lot of money and aggravation. Also, if you stick with Dodge parts, it makes your dealer that much more ready to help you if your steering problems persist. Mine continued "tweaking" things, fiddling with the steering box, and making other adjustments until the truck drove right.

Sometimes (not always, granted) dealers become jaundiced when owners drive in with all sorts of non-factory equipment (new, larger tires/wheels, shocks, links, lifted-truck, etc. ) and proceed to *****, bitterly, about the handling and steering of their truck. I know all about the "Magnuson (sp?) Act," but you gotta sympathize with the dealer, in some cases, when these trucks are rolled into his bays and he's told to "fix the problem" with the steering.

I'd try to persuade the dealer to install a new steering shaft (warranty) before trying the after market shafts.

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97 2500 4x4, club cab, auto, 3. 54 limited slip, JRE 4" exhaust, Dr. Performance Fuel system (370 HP), "Twister Turbo," Geno's guages -- Boost, EGT, transmission & Rear -- MAG Hytec covers, SunCoast Converter/Transgo shift kit, Brite Box, tons o'chrome under hood, Prime Loc, EZ Drain, Seat covers, wood dash, Rancho Suspension, Warn M12000 Winch on Warn Brush Guard, Warn driving and fog lights, Hella twin back up lights, 285/75/R16 B. F. G. ATs on Mickey Thompson "Classic" rims; Linex bed liner, BD exhaust brake.

 

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Shifting over to the Chassis forum...

Mark

 

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I went ahead and spent the extra bucks on the Borgeson when mine bit the dust. After three months of winter use, the borgeson unit had its own play and I called them about warranty. They told me to send them the shaft and I did. Upon examining it they said they can find no problem with it and "since it is now flash rusted we can no longer take it back". Anyone who owns one can agree with me that they are unfinished from borgeson and will flash rust within a week of the first rainstorm you'll drive in. They have a very poor customer service dept and the head honcho there even hung up on me when I wanted to nicely discuss the problem. I deal with customers every day in my business and this prompted me to take my business to the Flaming River company and to this date I have had no problems with their product, and their customer service dept. is award winning in my book, for I talked to them about the problem I was having BEFORE I bought the shaft.

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520 Rear Wheel H. P. and 800+ ft/lbs Torque = 15. 5 sec @ 97 mph with the rear wheels spinning in 5th gear going through the traps in the quarter mile. No slicks here, pal, no fancy auto transmission, just the truck in full street trim, 7400 lbs. of Auto Wurks Diesel/BD Performance raging, fire-breathing DIESEL POWER

 

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Dodge Ram steering problems are almost ALL related to the steering box, itself -- not the intermediate steering shaft. I've read too many testimonials from too many people to that effect. Like I said, I tried the Borgeson shaft and it didn't help a bit. Further, Dodge has a unit that's available, now, which is a MUCH BEEFIER version of the original; they put it on my '97, free of charge.

What bothered me about the Borgeson company's approach was not poor customer service, but poor product design. They troll for Dodge truck customers, but have a product that is more "one size fits all," when you take it out of the box. I thought their attitude was pretty cavalier when I questioned them about having to machine the end of the shaft ("grind a flat. . ") so that it would fit into the truck properly.

For $300+, I felt the steering shaft swap-out should have been a "plug 'n' play proposition, not a deal where the safety of the product is held hostage to the customer's mechanical aptitude and tool inventory...

Finally, if you take your truck to Dodge and they install a new, heavy-duty intermediate shaft, you have some recourse (or your loved ones do... KIDDING!!!) if there's ever a problem (... something inconvenient, like the shaft falling off while you're tooling down the interstate. . #ad
#ad
). You've got a multi-billion dollar company, with VERY deep pockets, to discuss your "dissatisfaction" with. . ).

If you have a problem with the Borgeson shaft (or some other after-market supplier... ) they can always argue that there were faulty "installation issues" which compromised the integrity of their wonderful product. 'Course, you won't be around to care at this point; you'll be somebody's hood ornament... (cracking myself up, here... )

Seriously, I'd talk to your dealer first. Check out the much-improved unit Dodge is now offering. But, consider having the steering box looked at, first. They should check for play in the pitman shaft, and maybe tighten the thrust bearing. There was a TSB a couple of years back about this issue; the company's recommendation was to tighten things up. That approach made the biggest difference in my driving experience.