2nd Gen Ram Tech 1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.

how can u teel if a steering gear boxs is bad?????

Old Feb 3, 2012 | 11:43 PM
  #11  
beeker's Avatar
beeker
Captain
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 625
Likes: 5
From: Bremerton, WA
Default

I used a reman to replace my leaky stearing gear after two failed attempts at seal replacement, so far so good. Would've prefered the Red Head had I known about them. I also replaced the track bar cause the tire shop guy said it was bad and is the main cause for the stearing gear going out... not sure if there's any truth to that though. Anyone know the answer to that?
 
Reply
Old Feb 3, 2012 | 11:44 PM
  #12  
lowenasty 08's Avatar
lowenasty 08
Thread Starter
|
Amateur
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Castalia
Default

how much do the red head steering box $$$
 
Reply
Old Feb 4, 2012 | 05:49 AM
  #13  
zman17's Avatar
zman17
Retired Moderator - RIP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 18,729
Likes: 17
From: NH
Default

About $300, you have to call. http://redheadsteeringgears.reachloc...563&kw=5016330
 
Reply
Old Feb 4, 2012 | 11:32 AM
  #14  
lowenasty 08's Avatar
lowenasty 08
Thread Starter
|
Amateur
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Castalia
Default

How much is a red head steering box....
 
Reply
Old Feb 4, 2012 | 11:33 AM
  #15  
lowenasty 08's Avatar
lowenasty 08
Thread Starter
|
Amateur
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Castalia
Default

Ok thanks man...
 
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2013 | 08:45 AM
  #16  
jeep89's Avatar
jeep89
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Default

I also suspect that my power steering gear box is bad. My 98 Dodge Ram 1500 has over 200,000 miles on it and I'm pretty sure it has the original gear box on it. I used a cresent wrench on the flat spots on the steering shaft under the hood and worked the shaft back and forth. I noticed the steering wheel would move at least a good 2-3 inches without any movement to the pitman arm. Does anyone know if this amount of play/slack is too much or extreme?
 
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2013 | 09:21 AM
  #17  
HeyYou's Avatar
HeyYou
Administrator
Veteran: Air Force
Community Favorite
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 87,482
Likes: 4,223
From: Clayton MI
Default

Originally Posted by jeep89
I also suspect that my power steering gear box is bad. My 98 Dodge Ram 1500 has over 200,000 miles on it and I'm pretty sure it has the original gear box on it. I used a cresent wrench on the flat spots on the steering shaft under the hood and worked the shaft back and forth. I noticed the steering wheel would move at least a good 2-3 inches without any movement to the pitman arm. Does anyone know if this amount of play/slack is too much or extreme?
Some would say ANY amount of slop is 'too much'. You can try adjusting the box, there is a DIY in the FAQ section here, and that should help some. Just don't get it too tight, as then the truck will want to go everywhere BUT straight down the road. No fun at all.

In reality, there are actually two adjustments shown in the service manual, but, to do it "right", need to remove the box from the truck. Service manuals are also available for download in the FAQ section.
 
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2013 | 01:43 PM
  #18  
zman17's Avatar
zman17
Retired Moderator - RIP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 18,729
Likes: 17
From: NH
Default

Originally Posted by jeep89
I also suspect that my power steering gear box is bad. My 98 Dodge Ram 1500 has over 200,000 miles on it and I'm pretty sure it has the original gear box on it. I used a cresent wrench on the flat spots on the steering shaft under the hood and worked the shaft back and forth. I noticed the steering wheel would move at least a good 2-3 inches without any movement to the pitman arm. Does anyone know if this amount of play/slack is too much or extreme?

That box is junk, get a Red-Head.
 
Reply


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:21 PM.