If my steering gearbox is moving from side to side underneath, is that a sign it needs to be changed? Should there be no movement, and does that affect the free play in the steering wheel AND alignment, plus wandering?

Reason I ask, is the shop says they cannot align the vehicle because of the gearbox being bad. They want $620 installed for a new one, including a 4 wheel alignment.

 

Yep. There should be no movement. Check out Redhead boxes out of Seattle, last I checked, they're the only ones who build quality boxes for our trucks. PSC quit making them and AGR sucks from what I read. Redhead should be about half what that shop is charging. DON'T get a reman box from a parts store.

 

Get a steering box from a 2500. The 1500 ones are kinda junk to begin with. Especially if you're running over sized tires.

 

theres also a rebuild diy over at ps forum.
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/steeringbox.php

Does the 2500 box bolt right up?

 

Yeah, they bolt right up, but from what I have read the 2500 box is the same as the 1500 box (even has the same part numbers at the parts store). But, that is just what I have read on PS and other sites, I have never confirmed this myself... as when mine went out I just purchased a PSC box . Its too bad they quit making boxes for the dodge, it seams like a quality unit.

 

It's the same box. Either find a good junkyard unit or get a Redhead.