2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission PSC steering box question

[KPorchia]

I recently replaced my box with the 3 1/2 turn box along with a borgeson shaft. The wheel ended up 90 degrees out and I adjusted the drag ling to correct it. Now it seems that the truck turns tighter to the left than the right. I made sure the wheels were straight and the box centered. Could I have put the pitman arm on one tooth out?



'01 dually if it matters.

 

[Spunkys Ram]

It is very probable/possible that you installed it one tooth off. Sounds like it. When you do a steering gear swap the steering wheel should never move. It should be in the same place you as when you started. I would center your wheels, remove pitman arm and recenter the sector shaft. Then reinstall pitman arm, readjust drag link adjusting sleeve and my bet is that your problem will go away.



Keep us posted.

 

[Pavemen]

the pitman arm is keyed and only goes on one of four ways, so as long as its int eh general direction, its on right.

your borgensen shaft is not on the splines correctly. neither end is keyed, only splined, so it can be adjusted. adjust the alignment correctly, then remove one end of the borgensen and center your steering wheel

 

[12Vmudder]

I just installed a PSC box last week and Pavemen is right there are only four ways to put the pitman arm on so it is very unlikely that you put it on wrong...

 

[DerekW]

the pitman arm is keyed and only goes on one of four ways, so as long as its int eh general direction, its on right.



your borgensen shaft is not on the splines correctly. neither end is keyed, only splined, so it can be adjusted. adjust the alignment correctly, then remove one end of the borgensen and center your steering wheel

i second that... it is keyed on the pitman arm. so at 90 degree i would look elsewhere such as a square steering shaft 90 degrees out. oh and the steering shaft is notched where the steering column clamps to it so it goes on one way or left over peices type deal on the 3rd gens. i assuming 2nd would be the same.

 

[JGK]

I don't wish to divert the thread too much, but just out of curiosity, for what reason have you changed your your steering box, for those of you that have done so?



Thanks,

-Jay

 

[Oil Burner]

Jay,

2 main reasons people change boxes...



first, it might be worn out and very loose. Or second, it might be the wrong box from the factory like mine that is a 4 1/2 turn box. Should have been a 3 1/2 turn like dodge went to later. Plus mine is worn out so it has 2 strikes against it!



Jason

 

[Cummins Thunder]

3500 trucks got the slower box.

 

[Spunkys Ram]

Boy I feel like an idiot.



Guess I should have waited for someone who has already done the repair. I will be changing mine over in a couple weeks. Sorry to give you the wrong info.

 

[Dave M]

My 97 3500 was 4 turn (strike 1) until I replaced it with a 3 turn PSC. Mine was leaking (strike 2) at the output shaft and since I was chashing "death wobble" (strike 3) at the time I replaced it (3 strikes and its gone).

 

[BDaugherty]

When doing any steering box or shaft related mods, be very careful not to move the steering wheel from its factory center. Your clockspring can only handle so many turns in each direction and upsetting its center will cause you more headache. Just a little FYI for the do it yourselfer.



Also, I have the PSC box and it works great, but the biggest difference for me was after installing a PSC rebuilt steering pump. I'm also running the steering box brace and I had to adjust the preload of the worm gear in the steering box after the first 5-8 thousand miles. It's worked very well since then.

 

[KPorchia]

Thanks everybody. I need to get the truck back to the shop to look at it as I don't have a driveway. I will keep anyone interested posted.