Questions about Borgeson Steering Box
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
Questions about Borgeson Steering Box
I know many people have installed this ps box. I'm confused about a few things I read and hope you can clear it up for me. Seems like most people have had really positive results.
1--does it increase my turning radius? Somebody said he couldn't turn his boat as tightly as before the change, so he took it off. ???
2--does it change how hard it is to turn the wheel when the truck is stopped, or like backing up the trailer?
3--does the box work well with your stock ps pump?
4--what are the complications you ran into when installing the box with a new borgeson shaft? did you have to change out any other parts because of fitment issues?
5--if there is anything you want to add about installation or the results I'd love to hear it, thanks
1--does it increase my turning radius? Somebody said he couldn't turn his boat as tightly as before the change, so he took it off. ???
2--does it change how hard it is to turn the wheel when the truck is stopped, or like backing up the trailer?
3--does the box work well with your stock ps pump?
4--what are the complications you ran into when installing the box with a new borgeson shaft? did you have to change out any other parts because of fitment issues?
5--if there is anything you want to add about installation or the results I'd love to hear it, thanks
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6,841
Likes: 1,683
From: Land of the Toxic Avenger
I know many people have installed this ps box. I'm confused about a few things I read and hope you can clear it up for me. Seems like most people have had really positive results.
1--does it increase my turning radius? Somebody said he couldn't turn his boat as tightly as before the change, so he took it off. ???
NO.
The turning radius is determined and set by the axle under the truck. The geometry of the axle is what allows the wheels to turn left or right, and a new steering gear can only affect it's speed at which it moves, and not it's overall distance traveled. The axle stops set the maximum at which the wheel / knuckle can turn, and a new gear will not change that. There are, however, what are called "internal stops" in some gears. These prevent the steering from being turned too far, and when removed, will allow the gear to allow the suspension to provide the "stopping point" at which the knuckle can turn.
A new "high ratio" steering gear will dramatically improve your steering capability, but will not increase or decrease your radius of turn. It will however, turn the wheels quicker, which allows you to provide faster input from the steering wheel, and less movements in the cab of the truck. A faster ratio is much much nicer to use, and I'm very happy with my new steering feel, which is the first thing people notice when upgrading.
2--does it change how hard it is to turn the wheel when the truck is stopped, or like backing up the trailer?
No.
The steering responds quicker to your input, but in my truck had no effect at how " easy " it was when stopped. It is easier to back up because you need less input from the steering wheel to affect direction, which is why a fast ration steering gear is such a great upgrade. Not sure if Borgeson is a fast ratio, but there are steering gear companies out there that can make them fast ratio if need be.
3--does the box work well with your stock ps pump? Yes. New hoses and reman pump (prevented contamination of the new gear)
4--what are the complications you ran into when installing the box with a new borgeson shaft? did you have to change out any other parts because of fitment issues?
I used a custom combination shaft out of two other vehicles. I have heard of people using the "double U joint" borgeson running into an issue which the rag joint was replaced with the new borgeson, thereby eliminating the shaft's ability to absorb deflection in the cab / gear placement relationship. The cab "moves" ever so slightly, and the rag joint absorbs the movement with no ill effects. Having a solid connection (double U joint) prevents flexation, and may cause binding of the shaft, or bump steer issues if the cab bushings are degraded enough and movement is significant.
5--if there is anything you want to add about installation or the results I'd love to hear it, thanks
Read through the hundreds of threads here on the subject.
1--does it increase my turning radius? Somebody said he couldn't turn his boat as tightly as before the change, so he took it off. ???
NO.
The turning radius is determined and set by the axle under the truck. The geometry of the axle is what allows the wheels to turn left or right, and a new steering gear can only affect it's speed at which it moves, and not it's overall distance traveled. The axle stops set the maximum at which the wheel / knuckle can turn, and a new gear will not change that. There are, however, what are called "internal stops" in some gears. These prevent the steering from being turned too far, and when removed, will allow the gear to allow the suspension to provide the "stopping point" at which the knuckle can turn.
A new "high ratio" steering gear will dramatically improve your steering capability, but will not increase or decrease your radius of turn. It will however, turn the wheels quicker, which allows you to provide faster input from the steering wheel, and less movements in the cab of the truck. A faster ratio is much much nicer to use, and I'm very happy with my new steering feel, which is the first thing people notice when upgrading.
2--does it change how hard it is to turn the wheel when the truck is stopped, or like backing up the trailer?
No.
The steering responds quicker to your input, but in my truck had no effect at how " easy " it was when stopped. It is easier to back up because you need less input from the steering wheel to affect direction, which is why a fast ration steering gear is such a great upgrade. Not sure if Borgeson is a fast ratio, but there are steering gear companies out there that can make them fast ratio if need be.
3--does the box work well with your stock ps pump? Yes. New hoses and reman pump (prevented contamination of the new gear)
4--what are the complications you ran into when installing the box with a new borgeson shaft? did you have to change out any other parts because of fitment issues?
I used a custom combination shaft out of two other vehicles. I have heard of people using the "double U joint" borgeson running into an issue which the rag joint was replaced with the new borgeson, thereby eliminating the shaft's ability to absorb deflection in the cab / gear placement relationship. The cab "moves" ever so slightly, and the rag joint absorbs the movement with no ill effects. Having a solid connection (double U joint) prevents flexation, and may cause binding of the shaft, or bump steer issues if the cab bushings are degraded enough and movement is significant.
5--if there is anything you want to add about installation or the results I'd love to hear it, thanks
Read through the hundreds of threads here on the subject.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
Thanks for the thorough responses NJTman. Exactly what I was looking for.
I'll do more homework on the shaft. I know I've read about the Borgeson here, but I don't get that many threads when I search Borgeson. I'll try a dire rent section. Thanks again for the excellent response.
I'll do more homework on the shaft. I know I've read about the Borgeson here, but I don't get that many threads when I search Borgeson. I'll try a dire rent section. Thanks again for the excellent response.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
zachv
3rd Generation Ram - Non Drivetrain - All Years
8
Aug 18, 2014 03:12 PM
ninety3CTD
1st Gen. Ram - All Topics
12
Jul 15, 2007 03:07 PM