3rd Gen Steering Upgrade
 

Hey all, I desperately need to replace my steering box, and I'm looking at what will give me the best steering performance, and what will prevent me from having to do it again! I've already decided that I'm probably going to build myself a steering box stabilizer, but after hunting around I see that guys have upgraded to a 3rd gen steering box that removes the natural 2nd gen steering slop. This sounds like a great idea to me, one that I'll most likely pursue and if so I'll end up building a steering box stabilizer for the 3rd gen box.

My main question is this... Everyone knows that the 2nd gen boxes are prone to failure, so it would not be smart to take a chance on one from a wrecking yard. When upgrading to a 3rd gen box, however, are they less prone to failure making it reasonable to assume a low mileage used one would be in good condition? What else do I need with it, other than the pittman arm? I'd like to weld the 3rd gen u-joint to my existing steering shaft. Is that a part that I could have the wrecker could remove from the 3rd gen shaft, or does it need to be cut from it?

Don't kid yourself for a second, the third gen boxes are prone to failure, even more so than the 2nd gen boxes, from my experience anyway.

Back to what I have said before, talk to harvey at redhead steering gear, and see what he has to say about your issue. Cheaper, and less hassle than updating to yet another poor design.

I just recently put in a Redhead box after a year of problems and other rebuilt boxes and I love the Redhead. No more wander,box is tight like new. Since I alread had the DSS, this box should last a long time. Great product and a good price!!