2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Borgeson steering shaft

[HookMeUp]

I was going to replace my sterring box today. But when I went to remove the intermediate shaft I notice there was about a 1/2" of play in it. Does the Borgeson shaft that Geno's sells eliminate the rag joint (or whatever it is called) closest to the column? Needless to say I am holding off replacing the box until I find a replacement shaft.

 

[HookMeUp]

anyone have one of these?

 

[Arctic Taco]

Not yet , I have the same question, does it look like the one in the catalog photo?

 

[LVJUNIOR]

I have one on my 98. It looks and works exactly like advertised. My truck has a curb weight of 9000# and I went a total of 20000mi on it so far with well over 1000 mi off road. It is still as tight as it was new. I would buy it again

 

[TBartlett1]

I realized after writing this that my post pertains to 1st gen trucks in particular.

Rather than delete it I will post. It may contain useful info for someone.



I live in the rust belt, Florida Ma to be exact and in the winter they use 100% salt.

Keeping things in good operating condition is a challenge.

In my particular situation I would suggest keeping the original system with a few changes.



I had 3 steering issues on my 1990 W250 which is still going.

The first was the flex joint on the steering box wearing out twice (not to be confused with the rag joint) due to the poorly designed factory seal.



My fix was to purchase all new parts, body and internal slippers & pins and the optional boot that was available from Dodge. The new style boot is secured with 2 hose clamps which positively keeps dirt & water out.



Prior to installing the new body I drilled, tapped and installed a grease fitting in the very bottom of the body so I can fill it with grease. The other issue is the exposed shaft rusting between the steering box and the flex joint body which caused loss of all power steering fluid.



My fix required that I pull the shaft out, stone the surface and install 2 new seals. To prevent this from reoccurring I cut a donut from an old mud flap and installed it between the steering box and new body. I then pumped grease between the donut and steering box to prevent corrosion permanently. End of problems.



The Borgeson steering shaft is no doubt a superior design but it utilizes small u-joints which I feel are prone to failure due to rust. If I was to install an expensive Borgeson shaft I would find a boot to cover the u-joint to prevent exposure.

I have never heard of one of their shafts failing but if it did are the u-joint replaceable???



Note; if you ever need to remove the input shaft from the steering box it is critical that you know the procedure and use great care other wise you can loose 1 or more of the recirculating balls in the system which will cause extensive damage.



Tim

 

[Pavemen]

and paint the Borgeson shaft as they rust very easily, even in the hot dry climate here

 

[HookMeUp]

Thanks for all the responses. I went ahead and ordered one anyway as I didn't want to replace it with the same junk. Hopefully it will be here by the weekend.

 

[Arctic Taco]

I ordered one the other from Geno's, I hope it gets here before I get off work this week, I needed 4 border collies to help keep it on the road going over Polychrome pass.

 

[HookMeUp]

Mine showed up today. I will be installing it tomorrow. This is a quality built unit! SMikel how do you like the Quadzilla XZT? Tow with it?

 

[HookMeUp]

Got my shaft installed today. Gone is the clunking felt in the steering wheel. What I got, smooth consistant steering control, more road feel (I can tell you how many pebbles I just ran over, not really but feels that way) Now I'm going to have to learn how to drive the truck all over. Nice, real nice.

 

[Arctic Taco]

Haven't really gotten any towing as of yet although next spring I will be hauling a stack of trailers and such up the Alcan. Beyond that i really like the Quad set up Does your rig steer kinda heavy? Mine seems to, it improved once i put the Hell bent Steel leveling kit in it but it still seems heavy to me, I figure it must have something to do with the Ranch hand bumper. But I guess i may have to upgrade the power steering pump. Who knows? I'm glad the Borg works for you, I can't wait to get mine in so I can return the sheep dogs that i am using to stay on the road. Cheers

 

[RDHamill]

I have had one for years on my '01, works great, nice upgrade from OE.

You might also check the bushing at the firewall as it's a problem area as well.

kits are availible to fix.