So far all I've found is OEM for $115 or Burgeson for $270. My original lasted 250K so is the Burgeson that much better? Is there another brand to check out?

 

Well shoot...I went on ahead and got an OEM shaft. I figure I'll be dead before the new one wears out considering the mileage I got out of the original. Since I was on a spending spree I also bought a new dash bezel from LMC...don't tell the wife!!!!

 

What was wrong with the old shaft. Is your truck wandery, cause mine sure is.

 

Borgeson is DEFINITELY that much better. Oe will probably hold up OK, but Borgeson is unquestionably dramatically higher strength and quality.

Most common fix for wander if there aren't any actual worn out parts is the steering box brace. This supports the sector shaft in the box and prevents slop from frame flex. IMO a must have. Most folks who get them are VERY happy with them.

 

A brace and steering box adjustment fixed the wander but I have a clunk in the wheel and brake pedal. I greased the shaft and it worked for about a month but I'm looking for a permanent solution. I was afraid that the worn shaft could eventually damage the steering gear.