OK 92 D250, 215K just purchased. While looking at steering, noticed the front frame that the steering box is bolted to is flexing when the wheel is turned. I am ordering the Borgeson Shaft and new RAG Coupler. What else to I need to do to rectify the situation? John in SC ???

BTW, a search on "frame Flex" revealed only similiar questions but no answers.

 

Had a Ramcharger that did this, tired metal. Assuming it's more than normal flex, the fix was to do two things:

1. Weld a length of plate steel on the inside rail (longer the length, the better), and get longer bolts for the steering box.

2. Fabricate a brace from the steering box to the opposite frame side, much like the aftermarket braces you can buy for Jeep Wranglers with big tires.

Had no flex after this. If you leave it long enough, the frame will crack. Hope you solve it.

 

think you should look at a couple of trucks first, all the semi trucks do this, so i am not so sure about tired steel ..steel will flex a lot b4 it yelds ..most of the time your not sitting still and turning the wheels so there is less frame reaction..
just my op.

 

Look at the pics of the Truck of the Month. It has quite a steering box brace on it. Not sure if it's home built or bought but looks indestructable

 

I agree with the assessment you need to stabilize your steering gear box. Take a look at the following link to get an idea of what is used on the second gen trucks, http://www.solidsteel.ca/Stabilizer.htm

Follow their installation link, and I suspect you can get some ideas on how to fix your truck.

 

Has any tried to use/modify that kit for a first gen?

Are the first and second gen Pittman shafts the same size?

 

Just out of curiosity, did you notice anything wrong with your steering prior to noticing your frame flex? Wander, poor reaction...anything?

 

Its like trying too herd a goup of first-grade schoolkids with a stick made of Oatmeal.

I have already replaced the strut bar mounts. Centerlink is scheduled this weekend and most likely the lower tie-rod ends

 

On my first gen, the frame actually cracked at the steering box. I just made some reinforcing plates to add, as suggested above.

I think the damage was caused because the stop for the linkage was not properly engaging and the box torqued on the frame...can't remember all of the details.
george

 

Did you look at any others yet? Ill check my 93 when I can, My Cheby 4x4 does it pretty bad as well, along with the leaf springs etc. Pretty scary lookin, buy everything checks out good.