Borgeson steering shaft

[btoscano]

The next project for my truck will be replacing the steering shaft with the Borgeson unit. My coupler already has 2 hose clamps holding it together from the first owner. I plan to purchase Model 940. Is there anything else I should do while replacing the steering shaft?



I am going to order the shaft at the end of the week. Should I start spraying parts with PB Blaster? The truck is from Washington State but rust free.



-brian

 

[guava]

I'm not sure which model the 940 is but its definately worth getting the one with u-joints at both ends. That rag joint is worthless.



Have a set of rolled pin punches ready and its a pretty easy. I didn't have to use any chemicals to bust it free but I did have to dig through a lot of dirt to find the pins.



Good luck with it.

 

[JLEONARD]

You'll want to find a way to support the steering gear shaft so you don't excessively side load it when you drive the pin out... that should save the seal from damage.

The purpose of the "rag joint" is to isolate noise and vibration from transmitting up the steering column and to the wheel. The ujoint won't isolate.

Whether it's needed on our trucks at this stage of their lives I really don't know. Perhaps someone who has eliminated it can chime in here and advise.

Jay





Brian... can I have the old piece that fits on the steering gear spline?

You can reply to me at -- email address removed --

 

[btoscano]

Is it easy to replace the seal? Should I just order one and change it after I get the pins out so I don't have to do the job again?





Brian

 

[guava]

You'll want to find a way to support the steering gear shaft so you don't excessively side load it when you drive the pin out... that should save the seal from damage.

The purpose of the "rag joint" is to isolate noise and vibration from transmitting up the steering column and to the wheel. The ujoint won't isolate.

Whether it's needed on our trucks at this stage of their lives I really don't know. Perhaps someone who has eliminated it can chime in here and advise.

Jay





Brian... can I have the old piece that fits on the steering gear spline?

You can reply to me at -- email address removed --

Mines gone. Absolutely no difference in noise or vibration for me.

 

[btoscano]

No difference in vibration... what are your driving conditions?



Most of the miles on my truck are on well-groomed interstates at 80 MPH. But I put it in 4WD every time I back out of my driveway, drive around the yard, or the mile long gravel/mud/dirt roads in the mountains.



-brian

 

[MBreyer]

So where's a good place to pick one of these up- any round figures on expected price?



Final question, I'd love to hear what it fixed or improved for someone who has one.



Thanks!



~Matt

 

[JLEONARD]

You can buy them direct from Borgeson on line, I believe PDR carries them, and so does Summit. I'm sure there are other sources... one of our local auto parts stores here carries them (Borgeson is located in my town).



edit... cost is "roughly" $200



They are supposed to reduce that "10 to 2" trait (aka "rotational lash) when trying to steer the truck or keep it straight on the highway... the factory "pot joint" on the steering gear boz has a tendancy to wear our rather early in the truck's life. . esp if it's a 4wd.



Jay

 

[guava]

No difference in vibration... what are your driving conditions?



Most of the miles on my truck are on well-groomed interstates at 80 MPH. But I put it in 4WD every time I back out of my driveway, drive around the yard, or the mile long gravel/mud/dirt roads in the mountains.



-brian

Probably 60% is highway with the rest being worksite type driving. Slow and rough ground. Mud, snow, 4wd and a fair amount of Montana back country.



My steering was horrible before the installation and I tried the little kit that Chrysler sells to repair the loose joint at the steering box. That worked a little bit.



After having a problem with the mounting plate that connects the steering box to the frame (broke it through an old weld) the steering box rotated a little bit away from the frame and that caused the steering shaft to compress a little bit and took the flex out of the rag shaft. Once that is gone, its like the steering shaft is too short. Pain to fix and I was sick of the loose steering.



Roughly $230 for a new shaft from a local 4wd shop and about an hours time and steering was much better. I'd say like new but its still a 93 with all the noise and rattle that came with it to start with.



hope this helps.