2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering Box turns lock to lock?

[KevinLewis]

My 4 x 4 truck has 4 1/4 turns lock to lock. I talked psc and they said their boxes are 3 turns lock to lock. Psc now has a "diesel" box that is 4 1/4 turns lock to lock. My dads 4 x 2 truck is 3 turns lock to lock.



Well now I am confused Which box do I get? Any input or thoughts? I am leaning towards the 3 turn box.

 

[JSellers]

Hi Kevin,



I just ordered a PSC Motorsports gearbox. The model for diesel applications is shown as 20:1 ratio, which differs from their other Dodge steering gears listed as 16:1. PSC's website lists this gear (SG-841MD) as a new item for them.



See it here - http://www.pscmotorsports.com/product_info.php?products_id=452



My OEM gear is a bit over 3 turns, lock-to-lock. While talking to PSC, they assured me this new model would be the correct gear. But now, I'll be calling them back tomorrow to make sure.



Others here on TDR have mentioned that the correct gear should be 3-turns for our trucks. I'll have to agree with that until I find out otherwise.



Hope this helps,

John

 

[Regcabguy]

Three Turn Ratio!

Hi Kevin,



I just ordered a PSC Motorsports gearbox. The model for diesel applications is shown as 20:1 ratio, which differs from their other Dodge steering gears listed as 16:1. PSC's website lists this gear (SG-841MD) as a new item for them.



See it here - http://www.pscmotorsports.com/product_info.php?products_id=452



My OEM gear is a bit over 3 turns, lock-to-lock. While talking to PSC, they assured me this new model would be the correct gear. But now, I'll be calling them back tomorrow to make sure.



Others here on TDR have mentioned that the correct gear should be 3-turns for our trucks. I'll have to agree with that until I find out otherwise.



Hope this helps,

John

Mine's three turn but fluid's leaking from the adjusting nut. I've adjusted it a few times for wear. Anyone have any input? Is there a washer or something I can replace? Any steering gear shops in San Diego? Thanks!

 

[RDelissen]

on mine I went with the 841M last year and have been happy with it

 

[KevinLewis]

I am going to get the 841M box. I like quick steering!

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

It is the 3 turn box that does not have the wander lust. I changed from a 4&1/4 to a 3 and that solved a severe wandering problem and getting a box with small pistons helps too. Talk to "Chip" at Power Steering Services 417 864 6676 and he will steer you straight. (pun intended) For off road the 4&1/4 may be OK but for highway the 3 turn, definitely. I have heard the 4&1/4 is for one ton and larger trucks to prevent roll over in a panic avoidance maneuver. Makes sense but it is just not worth fighting wander. Makes you much more tired on a trip.

 

[JSellers]

PSC explanation

Kevin,



I did a bit more research about my gearbox replacement. The factory service manual indicates there are three different OEM steering gear ratios. Listed are 17. 5:1, 14. 5:1, and 13-16:1 variable. There are gear codes to indicate the different ratios, but I'm not sure where these codes would be shown on any individual truck. I have the build sheet for my truck, but the entry for power steering does not match the gear codes listed in the service manual - so I can't really tell which ratio applies to my OEM gear, other than it's three-turns, lock-to-lock.



I spoke with PSC Motorsports about their different gearbox offerings, and also about the differences in OEM gears. They explained about the differences in their gearbox ratios and valving.



The PSC 841M box you're getting would be the 'standard' gear replacement for our heavy Rams, matching the OEM gear ratio as closely as possible. This gearbox has the 13-16:1 variable ratio. And, this 841M gear will also offer feedback that's typical for Ram trucks. PSC says that 90% of the OEM boxes they see on our trucks are this type. This gear ratio equates to three-turns, lock-to-lock.



PSC offers an 841MX gearbox for the Dodge Ram, which also has a 13-16:1 ratio. But, the 841MX has a lighter valving, which decreases the input necessary for steering. But, the reduction in steering input effort also reduces the feedback in the steering wheel. This box may be a good choice for off-road use, where large tires or rock crawling might make reduced feedback a desirable trait.



The newest offering from PSC is the 841MD gearbox, proposed for the heavy front-end loads that our diesel trucks have on the steering. This gearbox has a 20:1 ratio, which would equate to four-turns, lock-to-lock on our trucks. This has the effect of lessening the needed steering input due to a lower gear ratio. But, the 841MD box has standard valving, so it should give good feedback sensed in the steering input.



I've changed my order from PSC to the 841M gearbox.



Hope this helps,

John

 

[KevinLewis]

Thanks for all the info Jsellers. J. burchfield thank for shedding light on this subject. I have noticed I get very tired of constanly correcting on long trips while towing a trailer. I just ordered The 841m. I have driven a 1 1/4 lock to lock car on the street and love it, so the less the better for me.

 

[CTD12V]

To revive this thread ...

I can't find any gearboxes listed on PSC's website for anything newer than '92 in the Dodge application. There is an SG-841M listed for '92-'02 GM SUVs--is that the one you guys are using, or are spline counts different, etc? I want to order a new box as soon as possible.



Thanks for any info!



CTD12V

 

[Nate]

I don't remember the model on mine, but I got the "Cadillac valving" where you can turn in with 1 finger without the truck moving. I would guess it's between 4 - 4 1/4 turns lock to lock.



It's great on the street. Before, with the stock box, my arms would wear on on long trips because it was so stiff.

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

Talk to "Chip" at Power Steering Services (Springfield MO) 417 864 6676. He rebuilt the box I installed in my 98 12v (3 turns lock to lock) and now my truck steers like a car instead of slopping all over the road ending 7 years of misery (old box was 4&1/4 lock to lock) You can ship your old one back to get your core charge refunded. Shipping cost me $20 from FL. (31 pounds) Before you install the rebuilt one that Chip will have rebuilt check the turns on the input shaft just to make sure you got the right one. It is my guess that a lot of guys remove and replace the steering box and never check the number of turns on either box and if they should happen to put in a replacement box with the same number of turns (4&1/4) as the one they removed the truck steers the same and they conclude that was not the problem and go on to changing other front end parts. Once you have experienced the driving/steering difference between a 3 turn and a 4&1/4 turn box you will be amazed. I was. E-mail me if you want instructions, if you are doing it yourself. Not an easy job but there are ways to make it easier. I was 77 when I did mine. -- email address removed --

 

[CTD12V]

Thanks for the tip, J. Burchfield. My factory box is about 3 1/4 turns, but it is loose now and causing wander. How long have you had your PSS box installed? Is it still precise? I have heard a lot of good things about the PSC boxes on these forums, but you are the only one I have found in my searches that has mentioned or recommended the Power Steering Services ones.

 

[PRattenbury]

I just got through installing a box and pump with remote reservoir on my 94. I checked the number of turns, and it's 4 1/4 lock to lock. Between the new box, DSS, track bar, pitman arm, dual steering damper and other goodies I put in, it actually handles in a reasonable way. After all that, I sort of felt like I'd be impressed with the result. The best I can say is I am satisfied. If I get a long service life out of it, I can live with it.

 

[KYOUNG]

I just got done putting in a PSS 3 turn box and Oh my God!! does it drive alot better!!!

its almost boring now!!

 

[Nate]

The box I have is a 841MX. Checked the paperwork in my toolbox when I was in the garage this morning.

 

[Bart]

It is the 3 turn box that does not have the wander lust. I

My '98 has the 3. 25 box and it wonders all over the road. It's not a truck that you just sit back and let 'er roll. I'm always at attention, Is there a difference between the 3 and 3. 25 box?

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

Steering boxes should never go bad unless subjected to severe off road use. Sounds like you have the right box, I would be looking at worn tie rod ends and everything else that can produce slop when worn. Alignment and tire pressure is important too.

 

[Bart]

I just had it aligned and the only problem they reported was bad ujoints.