2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering box

[BeefDoc]

My truck wanders quite a bit, front end is tight, DSS stablizer installed, new generation trackbar installed also. My mechanic attempted to adjust steering box again today, and tells me it is shot and should be replaced. Just looking for suggestions on aftermarket steering boxes and steering knuckles. My meckanic says to avoid factory dodge boxes. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

[Jong]

Go with Power Steering Services in Springfield, MO. They build a great box and is cheaper than PSC, the other big rebuilder. BTW, they are all Saginaw boxes, so don't let someone tell you the "Dodge factory box sucks". Saginaw builds boxes for quite a few manufacturers. Easy install, and much better steering afterwards. Use synthetic PS fluid when you refill your system as well. I use Valvoline SynPower.

 

[JPittinger]

Second vote for PSS, but get the low ratio box. It's much nicer to drive than the stock 4+:1 ratio box.

 

[BeefDoc]

Thanks for advice, I appreciate it.

 

[Cummins724]

I installed a NAPA box with a 3. 25 turn lock to lock on my truck & it is working great. The shaft size is 3/4" & it is from a 02 Dodge truck. It steers alot better than the 4 turn lock to lock box by far. Just make sure you get the 3 turn box.

 

[QWaller]

Anyone have a part # for the Napa box for a 98 2500?

 

[JPittinger]

Research past posts before you make that buy from Napa...

 

[K.L.Schumacher]

Regarding your steering box problems,I have gone through the very same problems. I replaced the box with a rebuilt done by Steering Solutions in B,C,Canada and at the same time put in the kit (name escapes me at this time) that stabelizes and strenghtens the lower shaft of the box. The kit is manufactured in Sasketchewan. Canada by good old farm boys. And to add i just recently replaced my shocks on the front due to destroyed lower shock bushings.

 

[MrDiesel]

Go with Power Steering Services in Springfield, MO. They build a great box and is cheaper than PSC, the other big rebuilder. BTW, they are all Saginaw boxes, so don't let someone tell you the "Dodge factory box sucks". Saginaw builds boxes for quite a few manufacturers. Easy install, and much better steering afterwards. Use synthetic PS fluid when you refill your system as well. I use Valvoline SynPower.

Yep... after reading about another member who has a Suburban/Cummins conversion I tried his suggestion and used a box specked for a 96 Burban. Bolts right up and has about a 3 turn or slightly less raitio. And they wanted less for it than the "factory" Dodge box!

 

[QWaller]

As for a suburban box, which one works. K2500? 8600lb GVW? This sure would make it easy to go get one.

Thanks

 

[Cummins724]

Anyone have a part # for the Napa box for a 98 2500?

Just call them & tell them that you want a 3 turn lock to lock from a 01-02 CTD. The input shaft size is 3/4" & the stocker on a 98-99 is only 5/8". The shaft works fine hooking on the shaft.

 

[Cummins724]

at the same time put in the kit (name escapes me at this time) that stabelizes and strenghtens the lower shaft of the box. The kit is manufactured in Sasketchewan. Canada by good old farm boys. And to add i just recently replaced my shocks on the front due to destroyed lower shock bushings.

DSS steering stabilizer... . they work great.

 

[QWaller]

Just call them & tell them that you want a 3 turn lock to lock from a 01-02 CTD. The input shaft size is 3/4" & the stocker on a 98-99 is only 5/8". The shaft works fine hooking on the shaft.

Do you mean to say this bolts right up to my 98? Pitman arm? I need to keep it as simple as possible.

 

[Cummins724]

Do you mean to say this bolts right up to my 98? Pitman arm? I need to keep it as simple as possible.

I can tell you one thing... . it bolts up to a 99 pitman arm. Yours should be the same.

 

[Dave M]

Want another opinion for a steering box ?..... PSC. I replaced my 4 turn with their 3 turn about 1 year ago from PSC (PSC Motorsports). I used the SG-841M steering gear. A link to the box I used is here:



PSC Motorsports



It will cost $430 and is for 94-02 trucks.



I am very satisified with the product as are many others on this site. I can steer my with one finger. It is way cool to drive without fighting the steering wheel.



I still have the death wobble and am loooking at my rotors as a possible source :{but the steering was way improved with the DSS, PSC gear box and 3rd gen TB.



Good luck,

Dave

 

[MrDiesel]

As for a suburban box, which one works. K2500? 8600lb GVW? This sure would make it easy to go get one.

Thanks

I used a 96 1500 4x4 box... EXACTLY the same bolt up as my 02...

 

[QWaller]

Well, I went ahead and did the conversion. # 1/4 turn box, Autozone for a 7500# GVW 2500 Ram. So far I am very pleased. ~$170 and fresh oil. Works perfect. One finger turning is nice. Just sorry I didn't know to do this sooner. My truck is not my daily driver so I went cheap. I will honestly let you guys know if I get burned with the Atsco box later down the road. I just couldn't see spending more for my weekend warrior. Thanks for all the info/opinions.

BEST MOD BY FAR OF ANYTHING I HAVE DONE TO MY TRUCKS!

 

[RJWEST]

I'm a little confused ( normal state ) over the steering box issue.

My truck steers to Hard, requires to much effort, I have the DSS and plan the trac bar change. But would like to reduce ' effort ' required to steer on highway.

My understanding is : lower ratio = less steering wheel movement,
and more effort to move steering wheel ????? correct ???? yes/no... .

Or, Can you get a steering box with low ratio and higher pressure
( if that is what I need ) ?

IE: Less steering input AND less steering pressure ???

 

[Rams-n-Hogs]

I'm a little confused ( normal state ) over the steering box issue.



My truck steers to Hard, requires to much effort, I have the DSS and plan the trac bar change. But would like to reduce ' effort ' required to steer on highway.



My understanding is : lower ratio = less steering wheel movement,

and more effort to move steering wheel ????? correct ???? yes/no... .



Or, Can you get a steering box with low ratio and higher pressure

( if that is what I need ) ?



IE: Less steering input AND less steering pressure ???

I just installed the 3 1/4 turn box from Power Steering Servces in my 96. There is definitely less effort to turn the wheel, now, along with no more sloppy steering. I also converted to a 3rd gen track bar. It drives better than when it was new.

 

[T-Bone]

I had the hard to turn steering thing on my 1997. I used a turkey baster to remove some fluid and replaced what I took out with Valvoline Syn-Power. It turns much easier now. My box is shot and leaking from the pitman arm seal. I need to replace it, but the Valvoline made a big difference.



T-Bone