2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering Column Play on Bumps

[MMoyle]

Hi All,

I have been dealing with a problem for months now that is driving me nuts. When going over bumps or making a turn that has some bumps, I can feel a slight 'clunk' in the steering. I can't stand it and loose steering is a pet peeve of mine and if I don't get this fixed, I will sell the thing. Here is what I have done thus far:

1. New Borg Steering Box
2. New Borg Power Steering pump with new lines
3. New Steering Damper
4. New Borg Steering Shaft

All the items above were completed in the last 3 months. I did replace the steering column about 4 years ago when I had a much more severe clunk in the steering when turning the wheel. The truck drives really nice on the road, but this annoyance makes me hate the truck (i know it sounds crazy). When I drive my friends Ford F350 powerstroke, I am in love with the tightness of the steering. I need to my truck to feel the same way because I don't want to sell it.

Any assistance on helping me diagnose this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Mike

 

[VolsFan]

rocksolidramtrucksteering.com. That'll fix you up, it's a bushing in the steering column. Haven't done it to my 01 w 200k but did it to my old 99 and helped a lot

 

[petersonj]

making a turn that has some bumps, I can feel a slight 'clunk' in the steering.

Before you start replacing parts you may want to check out an unusual situation that I had with a Borgeson steering shaft. Your problem may not be the same as mine, but if it is, it is something that you would never suspect. I also thought replacing the lower steering column bushing would be the fix, but it wasn't. Below is the link to the post.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...D)-Modification-after-25-000-miles-of-driving

Best of luck,
- John

 

[MMoyle]

Thank you John! Your write up of the Borgeson steering shaft tension spring was spot on. That was my issue as well. I finally got some time today to take out the steering shaft and take it apart. Once I removed the tension spring and put everything back together, all my clunking issues were gone. I can't tell you how happy I was to finally fix this issue that has been a sore spot with me for a long time. Anyone that has a Borgeson steering shaft should read John's write up as I am sure this is happening on many other trucks.

You saved me hundreds of dollars in parts trying to guess at the problem. I will send you a private message because I am going to send you a case of beer or a dinner out with your significant other.

Thanks Again!
Mike

 

[Joe Mc]

MMoyle,

Yeah, I'm a whacko too about things like that. "We're all right, the world's all wrong".

I noticed you installed a Borg Steering box, I'm considering doing the same as my truck has about 220k miles and I'm really interested in the 3.5 turns lock to lock vs the stock 4.5. I'm wondering if your truck has a steering box stabilizer because there's a note on "About this product" on the Geno's Garage site (see below). Does your truck (or anyone else reading this that has installed the Borg Box) have a steering box stabilizer? If so, what on the stabilizer "needs to be modified to accommodate" the Borg box?

BTW, I just ordered the Rock Solid Ram Steering Bushing and am guessing with my original column and shaft the bushing kit will improve things. Who knows maybe to the point where I'll decide against spending $536 + Shipping for 1 less turn lock to lock. Petersonj, Thanks for sharing what you found that fixed the situation in your steering - for all us "Steering Whackos" out here.

NOTE: If you have a steering box stabilizer installed on your truck, the Borgeson Steering Box will interfere with the fit. The steering box stabilizer will likely have to be modified to accommodate the steering box.

Question

 

[petersonj]

I'm really interested in the 3.5 turns lock to lock vs the stock 4.5.

You may want to review one of my previous posts before you purchase the Borgeson steering gear box. My original steering gear box took 4 1/4 turns from stop to stop and the new Borgeson steering gear box took 4 turns from stop to stop. I was expecting 3 1/2 turns. It turns out that Borgeson sells two different steering ratios under the same part number (the 3 1/2 turns one, and the variable ratio 4 turns one), and the customer does not get to choose which one he gets.

I think you would be happy with either one, just as long as you understand the differences and are okay with them. Click on the following link for more details.

- John

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...on-Steering-Box-800120-Things-You-Should-Know