Hi everyone. As you know me from last month, I bought a used 98 Dodge ram 1500 truck (laramie SLT 5.2L). My mechanic told me that my steering box is done. I do have some ( a lot of) play in my steering wheel. I snooped around for some prices and it seems cheap enough to just replace it.

But that's where comes my dilemma. I know you guys have a lot of experience with this part, so I'd like to hear your own experience.

WHICH one is better -- Fenco or A-1 Cardone? (lets not take money into comparison since with discounts form Advance and rocauto, I can get both at similar price.)

I can buy Fenco from AdvanceAuto here :
Item: Fenco Power Steering Gear box - Re manufactured.
; Power Steering; 4WD; Inline filter available

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...nco_18340206-p (is this the correct one?)

OR

I can buy A-1 Cardone from RocAuto here:

Item: A-1 CARDONE Steering box reman

http://www.cardone.com/Products/Prod...=277571&p=rock (is this the correct one?)

Also, I heard that my new steering box will not be so new in long run due to "poor" design/issue with dodge suspension parts. . So I'm also getting this Stabilizer http://www.dodgeramsteeringstabilizer.com/ . What's you input on these?

Your input is greatly appreciated

Thanks

 

You really don't want a re-manufactured box, it will be the same problems all over again...

 

You want the Dodge Off-Road steering brace. It doesn't tie to the frame together. That could put undue flex on the box

And a redhead or borgeson box for a permanent fix

 

X2.

http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/

Pay once, cry once, but know that there is a quality box that will possibly save your life.

 

I'll jump in with X3.

 

The stabilizer ordeal was covered in detail awhile back. That style of stabilizer will work just fine as the self aligning bearing will account for any movement or flexing of the frame. As long as you're not building a rock crawler out of your truck it will be a good preventative measure for your new box. The DOR stabilizer, as mentioned, is a better alternative for a serious offroader and is also more expensive.

 

I'd go with a redhead gear box. And if I could get the DOR brace on with a plow mount I'd get it also.

 

+1 a plow is no excuse!


At OP, have you considered just getting a box from a pick n pull? I'm not saying it necessarily the best option or guranteed, but you could save some coin if it is good. Just tossing the option at ya.

My choice would be a redhead.

 

Cant mount the DOR unit unfortunately .

 

A steering box is on my short list too. I already have a steering brace similar to the one in the link so the redhead box for me.