2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Upgrade steering box

[super38]

I had the local front-end shop install one of the upgraded steering boxes from Geno's, I now have less turning radius to the left (1 and 1/2 turns) than to the right (1 and 3/4 turns), doesn't seem like much till you try to park, very noticeable. Also had someone look at the front-end while I turned lock to lock and they could see the difference. Has anybody had the same problem? Could it be that they didn't center the box correctly? From what I was told there are 4 places the splines will line up on the Pitman arm..... Any ideas on a fix? The front-end shop is not sure what to do.....

 

[JLandry]

It might be best to call Borgeson directly and seek their expert advice. The number is 860-482-8283. I've heard they have great customer service.



Certainly you can't be the first to encounter this problem.



Can you please keep us posted on what you ultimatly find out?



Best regards,



John L.

 

[JLandry]

Question: Did you also install a Borgeson steering shaft or did you use the original factory steering shaft?



Thanks,



John L.

 

[super38]

I also installed the Borgenson shaft, the OEM was totally shot.





JD

 

[JLandry]

I also installed the Borgenson shaft, the OEM was totally shot.

JD,

I did a little reseach on the web and I think the fix should be relatively easy. This is what I've come up with...

1. Raise the tires off the ground then turn the steering wheel one direction until is reaches a stop. While counting the numbers of turns, rotate the steering wheel back the in opposite direction until it reaches a stop. Rotate the steering wheel back exactly halfway. The steering gearbox should now be centered. Presumably the steering wheel and possibly even the tires won't be pointing straight ahead... this is OK.

2. Put the tires back on the ground so the steering gearbox won't move, then remove the lower end of the Borgeson steering shaft from the input stub of the steering gearbox. Rotate the steering wheel so it's pointing straight ahead and reattach the Borgeson steering shaft to the closest spline algnment of the steering gearbox input stub. Lock the steering wheel from rotating.

3. Raise tires off the ground and adjust the drag link length so the tires are pointing straight ahead.

4. Have the steering alignment checked and adjusted.

Please let me know if any of that sounds like it won't work... I haven't done it myself.

Regards,

John L.

 

[super38]

That sounds like it should work assuming there is enough adjustment. As it is now I have 1. 5 turns one way and 1. 75 turns the other, this comes to 3. 25 turns instead of the 3. 5 that I should have. Going back to front end shop Friday and getting this thing figured out.





JD

 

[JLandry]

... this comes to 3. 25 turns instead of the 3. 5 that I should have.

Actually that sounds normal.

I read an old thread the other day where a Borgeson representative posted their steering gearbox has 3. 5 total turns internally. Once installed on our trucks you have approx. 3 to 3. 25 turns total due to the exernal vehicle stops.

Best regards,

John L.

 

[super38]

It works good if I'm turning to the right into a parking spot, sucks if I have to turn left into one, I can barly make the left turns in the parking garage that I could make with ease before the new box... . Wouldn't complain if I had the same turn radius in both directions that I had with the OEM box

 

[Road Dog]

I'm not an expert on alignment but some 3rd trucks had an issue where the tie rod end was twisted so that it would bind in one direction and eventually break. The fix is loosening the adjustment collar and twisting the rod end so it's "centered" if that makes sense.

 

[super38]

Thanks, I will check that.



JD

 

[JLandry]

It works good if I'm turning to the right into a parking spot, sucks if I have to turn left into one, I can barly make the left turns in the parking garage that I could make with ease before the new box... . Wouldn't complain if I had the same turn radius in both directions that I had with the OEM box

I think once you get that steering box centered properly, you'll find the truck has the same turning radius as before both to the right and left. What you have now sounds like the streering box is hitting it's internal stop to the left (not normal) and the external (normal) steering stop to the right.

EDIT: Tell the shop if they have any trouble whatsoever or questions to call Borgeson. You shouldn't have to deal with this!

Good luck,

John L.

 

[super38]

Thanks, that's my plan on Friday... .





JD

 

[tripl-e]

I think once you get that steering box centered properly, you'll find the truck has the same turning radius as before both to the right and left. What you have now sounds like the streering box is hitting it's internal stop to the left (not normal) and the external (normal) steering stop to the right.

Furthermore these boxes only achieve zero lash at their center point. Either side of center the box will have lash and the vehicle will have play in the steering. The box MUST be centered carefully and the vehicle trimmed to suit the box's actual center position if you are to enjoy precise steering while going straight.



Good Luck!



EEE