123,000 miles.

I installed the updated 08 steering linkage back in 08. Since then the link at the pitman arm is about ready to pop off.

Steering box is shot. Sector shaft moves all over the place even with the Defiant brace. I can't imagine what it would do if I removed the brace.

Thuren trac bar heim joint is gone.


Just ordered the complete steering box upgrade from a dealer.

68170214AA Steering Box
68034326AB Kit- pump and pulley
68034303AB reservoir, PS pump
68100252AA Bracket, PS pump

ZSBNT03 from PSC Steering Warehouse
New heim joint for track bar from EMF.

Big question. I was told the end link that comes with the steering box only fits the old stock style linkage. Can I get a confirmation?


Pics....


























What confuses me is there are two types of reservoirs. "Cornered" and round. They sent me the round.

 

Is that the new style Borg Warner that comes on the newer rigs??
I seems like it should work with the updated steering not the old style.

 

No this is a new Delphi unit from Chrysler to replace the go cart boxes we have.

 

PS Gearbox leaking fron top cover. In the process of removing. Trying to decide if the new bigger box is doable. Is the Drag link end supplied from the dealer different than the 08 updated linkage?

 

subbed... am very interested in this...

 

The pitman arm that comes with the new bigger box "kit" will work with both the original 03/04 linkage or the 08 upgraded linkage.

Unfortunately the end link that comes with the box only fits pre-08 linkage

I know that for sure because, first I was told that and now my new 08 linkage assembly has arrived and the new endlink that came with the box has different threads.

Otherwise it looks EXACTLY the same as the 08 end link.

I presume Chrysler changed threads so you cannot accidentally use an old style end link on the new style linkage assembly. Not sure if anything is different in the ball socket but it looks identical. Maybe the articulation is different.

 

So now what?
I saw an add while looking at these, Thad advertised that it fit the trucks with upgraded steering.
I'd be interested to know if it's worth it.
The cost of these or even a RedTop box, would replace 3-4 rebuilds.
I've got 167k on mine that needs to be adjusted/replaced.

 

Yes the box fits but I would talk to them to see if the rod end does. They may just be saying the box fits along with the pitman arm. Unless they do something custom?

They may mean it fits.... as long as you use your own 08-up linkage and don't need a new end link or you have the pre-08 linkage... the new end link will fit. You will end up like me and have that useless extra end link to throw in your tool box.

From everything I have heard, you cannot buy just the pitman arm or just the rod end for 08-up linkage assembly from Chrysler. I bought everything. The steering box kit and the 08-up linkage assembly. I will have a brand new old style linkage rod end from the steering box kit to get rid of cause I have no use for it.

As far as this new box being the end all... who knows. It's too new. I think we are the guinea pigs.. Just because something looks bigger doesn't mean it's gonna last longer. Something else might wear in it.

We shall see. Hopefully one money will save me follow on repairs. I like pay once and do it once rather than go cheap and do it often.

But... depends on your specific situation. I run 35" 10 ply tires (heavy) and use a snow plow during the winter months. If you don't do that and get a good 150,000 out of a good stock box then this may not be for you.

Do you have a link to that Thad site?

 

I don't recall which site it was....I'll see if I can find it.
What would make it worth the swap for me, is if the new box made the steering easier. That has been only one of two things I have not liked about my truck. Sometimes, depending on the road surface, at a stand still, I almost need to rev the engine a bit to get it to turn, and turning fast, even in the dirt is a no-go.

I'm running stock size Nittos right now, (going to a 285 Real soon) on H2 wheels......the combo makes my back hurt just thinking about doing a rotation they are so heavy.....

 

I can't help you with that until I get this stuff installed. Waiting for my new track bar rod end. It's in transit now.

 

I just installed the new box on mine. I didn't change the power steering pump though. It seems to work just fine with the old pump. I also had to get a new BD steering box brace. I still have the original steering linkage on mine, so the tie rod end that came with the new gear, worked. All in all, I really like this set up. My truck drives like a sports car now.

 

the hole kit or just the bearing.

 

Thanks for the note jcismo1. Looking forward to getting mine done. Did you run into any issues?

 

The whole kit, part#1032007. The bearing is actually the same though.

 

Not really. Just keep checking the fluid level, the first couple days of actual driving. I had to keep adding a little each time I checked it. I did the whole, jack it up and steer it lock to lock several times, but it seems to need the resistance of the road contact to get the fluid to flow through the gear and lines. Get at least 2 quarts of ATF+4, one wasn't enough for mine. You may want to have 3 quarts on hand since your changing the pump too. The socket size for the sector shaft nut is 1-13/16". The new BD steering support sector nut is 1-1/2", which requires a deep socket.