mechrisme

Its time for another gear box for my truck I say since theres a worn spot from tighten it up awhile back its like shot now I think. Its probably original with around 178,000 miles. I have read online about Cardone brand which most autopart store sell so thats not an option. I found one off a 2001 2500 with 85000 miles on it for 100 bucks which I may go with. I was wondering if that truck doesn't have the 8800 GVW like mine does, will it still work?

Junk Man

Talk to the guy at redhead steering about details of installing a box out of another weight truck. Regardless, I don't think $100 is a good price 85,000 box. I'd rather put that $$ towards a rebuilt box. Picking one that will work is the trick. (Don't go AGR.) Post back what you do & what your results are.

Wicked500R

I just replaced mine yesterday with a rebuilt for 185.00. If your in the snow belt and your truck is a little rusty underneath, Get new pressure and return lines at the same time. The fittings and steel line at the box will get ruined when you try to remove them if they are rusted.

nickg

how did you adjust your box to get a worn spot?

this link has lots of helpful info and tsb's to help you

http://dodgeram.org/tech/troubleshoot/steering.htm

mechrisme

Where did you get your steering box from for 185? What brand is it. I tighten up the screw on top I guess too much and now my wheel wont return to center and it has a rough spot when its lifted up when turning the wheels by hand. Also I noticed when I got my alignment checked, while driving between 65-75, my passenger side front end vibrates alot. I have replaced all ball joints and both outer tie rods so not sure what would cause that, maybe because the gear box it worn out?

nickg

by tightening the over center adjustment too tight you have the gears meshed too tight and it will bind, before spending money try adjusting again, back off what you have done(just enough till the steering returns to center or no binding) then do the bearing preload as per the above link, it shows it being done with the box out but can be easily done with the box in the truck, will bet your steering will improve, barring any other faults with the steering system,
for what its worth most of the new boxes still require adjustment after instal anyway, so you might as well practice on your old one

mechrisme

I loosened it up around half a turn and it seemed to be better from my short drive but I'll see how it is on my way to work in the morning

dguru

I just pulled one off a 2000 1500 gasser for $30 at a U pull yard. Works fine on a 94. One and 3/4 turns to stop instead of 2 and 1/4. A bit tighter to turn but I like it. The pitman arm will have to be changed to the 2500.

pind

From experience, spend the extra money, and go with a box from Harvey at redhead.

I have now had the pleasure of dealing with him a couple times, and also looking into one of his boxes. They are quality equipment, sold by a very decent company. And Harvey will take the time to answer any questions you might have.

Wicked500R

My local parts guy, not a chain store. It's a Cardone unit and it's like driving a new truck !

GAmes

To my knowledge all 2001 2500s had an 8800 lb GVWR. If it is tight offer him $50.

mechrisme

I read online that alot of people dont have good experience with the Cardone steering gear boxes

nickg

My steering box is a cardone, lower seal/bearing went out 3months after instal. I installed a DSS and instaled a new seal and bearing from Napa, that was along time and thousands of miles ago, I can tell you exact if I go look it up.
I'd have no issues getting another, mine failed because I did not have a steering brace....oh yeah it required an adjustment as well.
I might add the adjustment that you attempted does not get rid of the excess play as much as the bearing pre-load adjustment does

mechrisme

So i would guess if i were to get a Cardone brand steering box, I should get a steering brace to prevent it from having any problems?

nickg

A steering brace helps remove the load from the lower bearing, If my truck was not used for commercial use likely the steering box would have lasted longer, it wont matter who's box you instal, just by the design of the steering linkage it wrecks havic on the lower bearing.
A steering brace will help any box you instal.

Have you backed off the overcenter a bit more and done the bearing pre-load yet?

while your under there use the palm of your hand and hit the pitman arm near the tie rod end, likely you will hear a "clunk" and see the pitman arm move,