2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Finally changed out the steering box

[Hitec.Redneck]

Over the holidays I had my steering box replaced at 220K, had a lot of slop in it, went with a Borgeson box and shaft. What a difference it made. You can spin the wheel with one finger, took a while to get used to it. Ball joints are next, then went to align the front end and found they need to be replaced as well. The parts are on order and I will get that taken care of in a couple of weeks. So far I am pleased with how it works.

 

[BOBrien]

I ordered the same set up over a month ago. Haven't had the time to put it in. Hope to do it this week. Any tips or advice you can share on installing? Thanks, Brian

 

[Sticks]

On my list as well. Going with the Napa box. Just not looking forward to it. Supposedly all else on my front end is good, just a sloppy box.

 

[Hitec.Redneck]

I ordered the same set up over a month ago. Haven't had the time to put it in. Hope to do it this week. Any tips or advice you can share on installing? Thanks, Brian

Hi Brian, I took mine to my local mechanic to do, they only charged me 225 to replace them both, so I have no tips to share. I have read on here several threads where folks replaced their own that may have some info that could help you. I just searched for Borgensen and found several.



Good luck hope it goes easy for you.

 

[klaybus]

Did the same after replacing all of my front end components... . What a difference! Also installed a DSS. Got everything from Rip at Source Automotive. Best my truck has ever driven. Well worth the money!



Clay

 

[DMather]

Changed out my original, sloppy box last weekend.



Actually, I pulled the steering box, steering shaft, vacuum pump and power steering pump all at the same time. Replaced vacuum pump and power steering pump, rebuilt the coupler seals (Gould) and replaced the steering shaft and steering box. (and of course I hosed down the entire oily side of the engine with stoddard solvent and cleaned all the caked up oil/dirt. It's all "pretty" again. :-laf )



End result -> Phenomenal



Steering is nice and tight, no wandering. Steering pump must have been getting weak because I have more brake boost as well as great steering.



Items to consider for steering box swap:

1. Heavy duty pitman arm puller required. Put it on, crank it up tight and then apply a little heat. (usually about a 5 seconds blast from a propane torch will do it)

2. while you have the steering linkage apart, check for other wear and replace as needed.

3. It's a great time to change the steering fluid. Don't be afraid to disconnect the lines and let them drain, drain, drain. Bleeding is easy just boring as you get to turn the wheel s l o w l y from stop to stop 15-20 times depending on if you have hydraboost.

5. No real surprises. Sometime wish for extra joint in arm but that is normal when working in engine compartment. (2 extra joints if behind dash)

 

[Hitec.Redneck]

Had the ball joints replaced today, 220K miles and the truck had its first front end alignment. While it was in the shop went ahead and had them replace the original rear brakes, tech said they had 1mm of pad left, I feel like I got my moneys worth out of them. Truck really drive great now with the new steering box and the ball joints all done. Feels like a new truck again. Next job is having the injectors cleaned. Truck is still getting a constant 22 MPG @ 70 mph.

 

[Sticks]

... Truck is still getting a constant 22 MPG @ 70 mph.

I miss those days. :{

 

[DAWG-1]

Changed out my original, sloppy box last weekend.



Actually, I pulled the steering box, steering shaft, vacuum pump and power steering pump all at the same time. Replaced vacuum pump and power steering pump, rebuilt the coupler seals (Gould) and replaced the steering shaft and steering box. (and of course I hosed down the entire oily side of the engine with stoddard solvent and cleaned all the caked up oil/dirt. It's all "pretty" again. :-laf )



End result -> Phenomenal



Steering is nice and tight, no wandering. Steering pump must have been getting weak because I have more brake boost as well as great steering.



Items to consider for steering box swap:

1. Heavy duty pitman arm puller required. Put it on, crank it up tight and then apply a little heat. (usually about a 5 seconds blast from a propane torch will do it)

2. while you have the steering linkage apart, check for other wear and replace as needed.

3. It's a great time to change the steering fluid. Don't be afraid to disconnect the lines and let them drain, drain, drain. Bleeding is easy just boring as you get to turn the wheel s l o w l y from stop to stop 15-20 times depending on if you have hydraboost.

5. No real surprises. Sometime wish for extra joint in arm but that is normal when working in engine compartment. (2 extra joints if behind dash)

What size tires are you running? I have been thinking about changing steering box to help remove the wondering in these trucks. Thanks, Sam.

 

[lfwood]

I replaced the steering box and shaft with the Borgeson units from Genos. It almost is like having rack and pinion with a recirculating ball system! I also like the ease of steering and the ratios in the new steering box. The upgrade is well worth the money!

 

[DMather]

What size tires are you running? I have been thinking about changing steering box to help remove the wondering in these trucks. Thanks, Sam.

Sam,



Me 2WD

You 4WD

Different world. :-laf



Seriously... the unit is bigger and beefier and will probably have the same results.