Steering Box Options

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Oct 6, 2020 | 08:11 AM

#31

walkman

Registered User

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 34

Likes: 1

From: Tx

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRG

I posted this similar question/thread on the TDR and it doesn't seem like anyone over there has any exact opinions or experience. The question/conversation of this thread is the closest thing to what I was trying to find out so I figured I would post a copy here as I felt it to have some relevant information/links and see if anyone had any pre/post experience with the true bold on options to upgrade to a 6 bolt box. Below is the post as posted----

I have searched around and can't seem to find exact information so here I am.

2003 3500 srw 4x4
6" lift 37x12x22

Assumptions
6 bolt is better than 4 bolt
New is better than remanufactured
Custom rebuilt is better than remanufactured
Bolt on is easier than modified, spacered, retrofit
Cost is a medium factor

Assume I retain my '09 "T" linkage, stock steering shaft, and other bolt on components associated with a 6" lift

Questions?
As I see it there are 2 "new" bolt on options that I would like to compare.

Borgeson 800123 ..........vs..........PSC SG853

There are at least a couple other options like the best available Red Head and Blue Top but those are custom rebuilds and not part of this post at this time.

If you have any experience with either of the direct bolt on boxes, what is your impression?
vs stock 4 bolt?
vs reman 4 bolt?
vs custom rebuilds?

As far as I know, Red Head does use the stock steering box housing. You have a choice of 4 or 6 bolt top cover. I have the 4. They will charge a core charge until they get yours and deem it useable. All the components inside are better steel and new. I think the problem with the stock box , when lifting the truck, also adding bigger rims and tires put more pressure than stock box could handle. I believe they changed the steering linkage in 07' to a better design.

Oct 30, 2020 | 08:29 PM

#32

Jim O

Registered User

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 425

Likes: 1

From: Spruce Grove Alberta

I installed the Borgeson 800123 box but I only have a little over 10,000 ks or about 6200 miles since install I had to modify my steering stabiliser to make it fit. It steers a lot lighter with the new box.

Nov 5, 2020 | 09:31 AM

#33

Mexstan

It's my pot and I'll stir it if I want to. If you're not careful, I'll stir your's as well!

Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 3,259

Likes: 207

From: Central Mexico.

Adding to an old thread. I had the Redhead 4 bolt box and never really liked how it felt. My wife hated it. The it started to leak badly. Seems like this box somehow slipped through their quality control. After many emails with Redhead, they agreed to upgrade my 4 bolt box to a 6 bolt and all I pay for was the upgrade difference. Even although my old box was years out of warranty, they refunded the full cost, plus returned the core charge on my old box once i returned it. Based on how Redhead handled my problems I would highly recommend this company and their products to anyone who is considering changing the steering box on their truck.

A bonus for me is that my truck now drives like a totally different truck and even my wife now has no problems with it.

Feb 8, 2021 | 02:18 PM

#34

Geico266

Registered User

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 3,988

Likes: 7

From: Nebraska

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Dynomite

Just did the upgrade... But about choked when I saw the price of the dodge gear. I went with the lifetime gear from Oriellys for $130.
I have more time then money anymore. So if I gotta do it again, I'm OK with it.
It steers better than new.... For now.

How's it holding up?

Feb 12, 2021 | 07:10 PM

#35

Geico266

Registered User

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 3,988

Likes: 7

From: Nebraska

I just replaced my stock steering box after 310,000 miles with a Red-Head. Much better, tighter, no more wondering around the road.

Steering wheel is off 10 degrees. How is that fixed?

Mar 5, 2021 | 12:52 PM

#36

GearGut

Registered User

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 40

Likes: 1

I have the upgraded box by Redhead. Personally, I wouldn't recommend redhead for that. I'd get an OEM from the dealer.
First big box I got wouldn't return to center and had sticky areas in the movement range. I let it break in for quite a while.
Second one I got from them had resistance turning left but none turning right. Turned out to be an issue with the piston.
Third one I got from them was perfect but it took a Build and QA from their master builder.

Goofing once is acceptable.
But goofing twice means systemic problems.
That's why I'd just get an OEM from the dealer to make sure it's done right the first time.