Steering shaft is wore out

[CToney]

I took my 03 2500 to my mechanic to go through her from stem to stern. He found my steering shaft had a lot of slop in it since the one pin had the hole egged really bad. The dodge replacement part number is 55351300AD. I assume the AD means its the 3rd time the part has been changed. Borgeson also makes a replacement 000951. I also found where one guy removed the pin and drilled out the hole and put a bolt in. One negative comment on borgeson is that since shaft is not round the rubber boot does not seal properly letting noise and dust in. What is the best route to go? Is the latest part from MaMopar any good?

 

[Bob4x4]

If your origional lasted 180k,i'd call that pretty good.

 

[CToney]

I'm not sure that it is worth twice the $ over the Borgeson unit. I ordered the Borgeson shaft from Harry at Peak Diesel and its on its way. We will see how she works. The stock piece was definitely better than the old first gen steering shaft. I'll have to compare it to my dads 03 and my 05. Numerous part revisions tells me the engineers could use a little real world experience on part design.

 

[Bob4x4]

Keep a close eye on your new shaft connections
They are not very well engineered

 

[CToney]

I'd imagine they use the same set screw locknut as on my first Gen borgeson shafts. If I remember the threads I read where they came loose the directions were not necessarily followed properly. My old trucks were hard to remove when changing steering boxes. I will keep an eye on them for sure. Hopefully it keeps my truck on the road for another 180,000 miles.