2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering boxes recommendations

[Taz]

Ok. Time to change steering box. Looking for recommendations/options. Has there been any other supplier on the market. There was AGR and PSC, which both still exist. I won't touch a PSC, I put not one, not two, not three, but FOUR of those damn things in my truck and they all had play in them or developed play very fast.



I have the stabilizer on the truck already with the bearing on the end of the steering sector shaft.



Any thoughts on AGR's? Summit has those and their warehouse is like 45 minute drive from me.

 

[JGK]

A guy I know here at work has been a rock crawling fanatic for years and has built and rebuilt several crawling rigs. He is quite familiar with the requirements of steering boxes and pumps. So I went to him with questions about the one on my truck.



He has had great luck and support from PSC in the past. But PSC appears to be no longer supplying boxes for the 2nd and 3rd gen Dodges. The word is, they can no longer get them from their supplier.



My rock crawling buddy said he would rather buy a NAPA box than buy one from AGR. He was surprised they were still in business!



His suggestion was Lee Manufacturing from Sun Valley, CA (818-768-0371). They don't sell them outright but will rebuild yours. They will change them to a 3-turn box if you want. Turn around time is about 5 business days. Price with conversion to 3-turn is almost as much as what PSC was selling theirs for. Just seals and 0-rings are a little over a couple of bills, plus you pay shipping.



Another suggestion was Howe Performance of Lakeside, CA. They focus mostly on offroad systems but said they will rebuild mine. No quote given however.



Options are limited these days. Keep us posted on what you find.



-Jay

 

[Taz]

That almost settles it then. I'm just going to get a Napa box. No more spending $400 on a box.

 

[SHobbs]

Power Steering Services, Inc.



Give them a call.

 

[Taz]

Power Steering Services, Inc.



Give them a call.

Might do that. Taunting a "lifetime warranty".

 

[dseabaugh]

i put a 13/16 to 1 large piston variable ratio Power Steering Services box on last week. Low cost, fast service, Steers quicker than my Old 4 1/4 turn box. Easier to turn 'in the turns' but seems a little stiff in the straightway. will put on the new pump this weekend.

 

[Curious Dave]

I bought the whiz bang PSC setup. Supposed to be the 3rd gen conversion for the 2nd gens. We are stll working on it... . But they did set me up with a 2nd gen box. I don't know what happened... but the seal on the sector blew out. The sector is tight. They are setting me up with another one in the next couple of days. I understand guys get frustrated with the 2nd gen boxes and all the crap with them. I have a NAPA Lifetime box on right now. It work fine other than a slight leak and a small clunk. I tried to warranty it out and they gave me some crap that the lifetime warranty wasn't any good because I had used the box for over a year without any problems. I am still trying to figure that one out. But... with all that PSC is great to deal with, fast response and willing to "make it right". The packaging and the service speaks volumes to me. I know some will say that what good is service and packing if it fails? That would be a fair comment... Except what good is a lifetime warranty if it is no good after a year? Even if it is honored having to be down for 3 days while the local yocals "get one in" is unacceptable also. I say that because I rely on my rig for my living - daily. I can not be down. My point is... Whichever way you go - you are going to have problems. Minimizing those problems while dealing with some desk jockey engineers terrible design... that is the key. Goodluck on whichever road you take.



PS... I think that the 3rd gen would be the fix if we can get it to work.

 

[charlessmith]

There's a shop here in Columbus Ohio that's done pretty good for me rebuilding steering boxes and racks. I don't know if they will do mail order, but you might try. They are Steer and Gear Chrysler, Heavy Duty Truck, Light Truck Parts Remanufacturing - 1-800-253-GEAR

 

[DPrew]

There was another post on here from a guy who's friend owned a NAPA store. The guy said he had to go through four NAPA box's before he found one that wasn't flawed.

I've tried AGR and Cardone before. I have a bunch of steering mods but I'm still not happy. I'm in the process of going to a PSC hydro assist steering setup. It's probably going to be around $1300 installed but my offset Weld Racing wheels don't seem to play nice with any of the steering box's. The hydro assist is supposed to take much of the stress off the steering gear and give you more precise feeling steering. I'll put up a post after it's been installed in a week or two.

 

[Taz]

Can't wait to have a truck with rack&pinion!

 

[SHobbs]

I have been thinking about trying to fit say an 03 rack and pinion under my truck. Not sure if it will work though.

 

[DPrew]

I talked to the folks at Howe and they do all custom stuff. A basic rebuild with your core was about $350. If you wanted to change the ratio of the box it put you over $400. Their off road stuff looks like it's pretty hard core. They'll also build you a custom hydro assist kit like PSC or AGR but it'll probably be twice the price.