steering, AGAIN......

[grizz]

My 97 2500 has 90,000 trouble free miles on it, and I guess I am going to break down and fix the annoying steering problem. I have read that the Delphi box is the way to go, but I haven't been able to locate anyone who has one. Does anyone know where I could order one and about how much $$ they are? If there is a website for them I could use that also.

I would also welcome any comments or concerns regarding this fix.

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'97 2500 4x4 Quadcab affectionately known as 'Diesel Dog'.

 

[F Simkowski (In Memory)]

Moving to 2nd Gen forum for exposure.

 

[DUNE RACER]

Grizz, the Delphi box was a big improvement for my truck but it was not a "fix all" problem solver. I think that many other factors contribute to how these trucks handle such as alignment specs, front end wear, tire pressure, steering box adjustment etc. . I believe the only place to get the newest revision steering box would be a dealer but AGR may also be an option for you.

I was much happier with the Delphi box I had put in at 7500 miles, it did tighten the steering up alot but it still wants to wander slightly. I'm afraid if the dealer screws with my truck any more that it may get worse, so I've had my own alignment done to bump the caster up, this helped a tiny bit but didn't do the miracles it has for some others. Do a search on steering problems etc. you will find days worth of reading. Good luck-Zach

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2001 black dually,4x4, 6 speed H. O. ,loaded up and then some!

 

[Dennis Garrett]

Might try this first if you haven't already, It won't cost anything & it might be the fix. Worked for my 97. http://www.ecpe.vt.edu/~dfritz/technical/TSB97/19-10-97/19_10_97.htm

 

[grizz]

Dennis, I tried this awhile back with little success. Thanks though.

Which box is of higher quality, the Delphi or AGR?

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'97 2500 4x4 Quadcab affectionately known as 'Diesel Dog'.

 

[TORQUED]

has anyone tried to adjust the steeringbox per the service manual. My steering is is going to need sommething soon.

 

[RKohn]

Don't overlook the simple stuff. Regular rotation and pressure check. It does make a difference.

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Y2K Red Stealth Sport 2500 4X4 QC SLT+, 5-spd, 3. 54 anti-spin, 265-75-16 LTX’s (There ain’t no such thing as options, cause ya gotta have it all, including: DC’s dead cow/vinyl interior and don’t stop anti-lock brakes. ) Stock, but not for long. Oops, too late. What silencer ring? (More fun than my 98 SST)

 

[Alan Reagan]

Mike, I adjusted mine according to the service manual (preload and overcenter adjusts). There was some help but not much. I think the preload adjustment should probably be done on a 20-30 K routine just to keep play out of the system and make sure that you are looking at the system on a planned basis. The Delphi box and a good allignment solved my problems. Now, at some point I'll change those POS ball joints and make her steer real good. Greasing them with a needle works, but I like to keep my stuff clean so when I work on it I don't get all greased up.

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2001 HO 6 spd 2500, 4. 10 LSD, Towing Package, Electric Brakes, SPA EGT/Boost Gauges, Fog Lights, Real Backup Lights, Molded Running Boards

 

[grizz]

I spoke with two of the dealers in the area and they have no idea what I'm talking about. They haven't heard of problems with the steering box, they checked and didn't find any TSB's on it (yea, right) and the only replacement they have is the factory at over $600. 00.

There is a company locally who will rebuild the stock box and replace all bushings, seals, etc. and they claim it solves the problem, as a matter of fact they guarantee that if it doesn't you get a full refund, and it only costs $180. I think I will try them unless anyone else has some input.


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'97 2500 4x4 Quadcab affectionately known as 'Diesel Dog'.

 

[Guest00]

The problems with the new boxes is the lower pitman shaft bearing / bushing is loose ( shaft machined unersized, housing machined over sized allowing side thrust in the shaft. The sector pre load only adjusts the worm sector gear lash and will not effect the lower pitman shaft side thrust. There should not be any side to side movement in the shaft when the steering wheel is moved l - r - l - r. The repair is not difficult for a machine shop. they can cut the shaft or the housing to accept a over/ under sized bearing so there will be no side play in the shaft. That together with new gasketes and seals will give another couple hundred k miles.