2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission New steering gear box

[dodger2]

I currently have the 4 1/4 box installed and ordered the 3 turn box. Is this going to be a simple R & R or is there more to it than that?

 

[CumminsPower98]

It's a simple R&R. Lets us know what it does for your steering. I too have the 4-1/4 box. I wish I had known about this when I got my box new from the dealer.

 

[KWentling]

The hardest part is getting all the air bled out. Follow the instructions in the service manual and you'll get it.



Kim

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

It is a job alright but not so bad I could not do it at 77. You will need a pitman arm puller. Best if you have an air impact wrench to use with the puller. Measure the distance from the zerk fitting on the pitman arm to the frame rail and maintain this distance when going back together. Steering wheel should be dead center when you start and when you finish and if you did not need an alignment you probably won't need one when you are done. I found it easier to remove the left front wheel and the fender liner to access the pump. Use suitable jack stands, hydraulic jacks CAN NOT be trusted to not blow a seal. (now that they are made in China is even more cause for concern) It may be a 17 mm wrench you need for the hydraulic lines. Wrap the ends in a clean rag and tie them away until needed it does not take much to contaminate PS fluid. when installed fill resivour with PS Fluid and with the engine idling turn the steering wheel all the way both ways a few times to bleed the air and fill it up again. A jack in he middle of the front end will take the pressure off the tires, they don't need to be off the ground. I put a Borgeson shaft in while I was at it, really did not need to but is hard to be sure before it is removed. Be prepared for a surprise when you test drive. It is an unbelievable difference. Your labor will have been well worth the trouble, then some. e-mail me if you have questions and I would like to know how you like having the right box. -- email address removed -- I almost forgot if you break the plastic fosteners for the fender liner you could use hex head sheet metal screws and fender washers. Make sure you know the size of the holes when you go to Ace or where ever. Can't remember if # 12 or #14 is needed.

 

[ASimpson]

i too just did this its like learning to drive all over again. . its almost like it steers too easy now... ... ...

 

[ryecreek]

where did you get the box and how do i know which i have

i just did a napa pos 3 times (1 leak 1 input shaft big time slop 1 would stick) now i have #4 just waiting to be installed

 

[ASimpson]

Psc Motorsports Is Where I And Many Others Here Got Them. Around $300. 00 Wish I Had Done It 2 Years Ago Before Spending Over $1000 On The Front End. It Fixed Alot Of My Problems After Everything Else Didnt.

 

[ASimpson]

Also To Find Out Which One You Have Turn The Wheel From Stop To Stop Either 3. 25 Or 4. 25 Turns I Believe. I Had A 4. 25 And Went With A 3. 25 And Wouldnt Go Back To The 4. 25 Steers Way Better Just Takes Some Getting Used To.

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

I got my power steering box from Power Steering Services in Springfield MO 417 864 6676. "Chip" will answer your questions. If you tell him what you have he will advise you properly. I had a box that turned 4 1/4 turns and replaced it with a box that only took 3 turns to go from stop to stop or lock to lock however you want to say it. It cured the wandering, it steers like a car. You can't tell which box is which they all look the same on the outside. You could put a pair of vice grips on the input shaft and count the turns if it is out of the truck. If installed turn the steering wheel with the engine idling and count the turns. Chip may advise you to go with the small pistons inside the box. -- email address removed --

 

[dodger2]

Thanks to everyone for all the advice! The impact wrench on the puller was just what the doctor ordered. The project went very smooth and the results are unbelievable!!! After returning the core the part total was $224. 07. I'm not kidding, the way it drives now is amazing.

 

[foolkiller]

goddarnit... ... now i have to do it. when is it going to end?

 

[n7gxz]

Something else to concider doing is to clean out the screen in the PS pump. The helped the steering and the braking on by truck.



Kevin

 

[abranz]

Where is the filter in the ps pump?

Anthony

 

[n7gxz]

You have to remove the high pressure outlet hose and then there is a hex fitting that the outlet hose screwed into. Remove this fitting, be carefull things are spring loaded, and you'll find a valve assembly followed by a spring. Remember which way the valve comes out. On the spring (inside) end of the valve is were the screen is, very fine mesh.



Kevin

 

[Dave M]

Thanks to everyone for all the advice! The impact wrench on the puller was just what the doctor ordered. The project went very smooth and the results are unbelievable!!! After returning the core the part total was $224. 07. I'm not kidding, the way it drives now is amazing.

Which power steering box did you install... PSC or Power steering Services? Since I see we have idential trucks could you provide the part number and contact info? I think I'm on my way... . and there's no turning back now. Help me... somebody... anybody. My front end is possesed and neeeds an exorcist... . hmmm... or is it me?

goddarnit... ... now i have to do it. when is it going to end?

I'm with you there. I want to do it but we both know it's the never ending frontend repair... . like being stuck in a time warp in the Twilight Zone... geeezzzz.



I have a small steering box leak and still need the DSS and new track bar and... and... . and... . ugh!



Dave

 

[ETaylor]

I have a buddy of mine that has a 1999 3/4 ton that has a lift on it. his steering is horrible. you have to pre-turn to your turn and is very sloppy. iven with the lift on the truck will the 3 turn steering box help him out? The gear-box needs replacing anyway and just wondering if this will help solve his problems.



ETaylor

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

I got mine from Power Steering Services 417 864 6676 in Springfield MO. Unless yo beat your truck to death off-roading a steering box should last the life of the truck. Once you replace it with the right one your wandering problems are over. DO NOT EVER ATTEMPT TO ADJUST A POWER STEERING BOX. It can not be done without removing it and then only by a qualified tech. It is not to remove slop, it is the "over center" adjustment. The rebuilders make a lot of money because people mess with that adjustment. You of course will need to replace tie rod ends if necessary as well as ball joints and other front end parts as needed. A good alignment shop, not a cheapie is a must. I will not deal with a dealer. they are rip-off artists. I go where I know is honest. I will not even allow a dealer to do warranty work. Once they get you in their clutches they take advantage of you. No dealer knows or will admit GM gave them the wrong steering boxes to install on the assembly line. Alignment shops do not know there different ratio steering boxes. Make sure your box only turns 3 turns. The wrong box turns 4 1/4 stop to stop. -- email address removed --

 

[dodger2]

I didn't replace the pump only the steering gear.

Inland Truck Parts

1-800-243-9393

part # 55-313 Steering Gear $201. 41

The difference is day & night. No more herding it down the road.

 

[RoadGoesOnForever]

Is that a new or reman'd box?

 

[RoadGoesOnForever]

I called Inland and they said it is a reman'd box. Anyway, I just cancelled my order with PSC (they claim that they can't get their hands on any Dodge steering box cores) and ordered a box from Chip at Power Steering Services. He only wanted $190 and confirmed that it would be approximately 3 turns as opposed to the stock 4. 5 turns (16:1 ratio instead of the factory 24:1 ratio). He said he could get it out to me in a week.