This write up is intended to help those who are in the market for a new steering box for their 2nd Gen Ram.

The truck:
1996 Ram 1500 4wd
215,000 miles
New Moog 1-ton steering upgrade
Borgeson Steering Shaft
3rd Gen 20’s
Truck is used on pavement only.



I had finally had enough with the slop in my steering and pulled the trigger on a complete steering overhaul. From the “Rock Solid Steering Bushing” to the knuckle, everything was replaced.

I first installed the Borgeson steering box. I was extremely disappointed, to the point that I thought there had to be something wrong with the box I got. No way all the forum and online reviews could call this an “upgrade”. The on center slop was terrible. I called Borgeson and spoke with Gil, he did the best he could. He wanted the box back to check it but said I could adjust it up to a quarter turn to see if that helped. I adjusted the box but was still unsatisfied. I called Gil back and he was nice enough to allow me to buy another box and send the original one back for a credit. I received the second box and installed it. Same thing.

The main issue I had was the on center slop. It was terrible in my opinion, worse than stock. I hated it to the point that I didn’t want to drive my truck. The only “improvement” I noticed was with the power assist. The truck turned much… much easier which may have been the reason in my mind the truck was so “sloppy”. The steering was effortless…. little to no resistance. This is nice I guess but NOT what I was looking for. I wanted more response from slight steering adjustments off of center.

I was pissed, disappointed and a couple hundred in the hole. To top it off when checking to make sure Borgeson got my original box back and confirming I was going to get a credit the guy at Borgeson was a dick. This was not Gil and I did not get his name. Actually, I would not have written this if the Borg rep wasn’t a douche.

Anyway, now stuck with a truck I did not want to drive I decided to bite the bullet and order a Redhead box. First, the rebuild of the Rehead box “looks” better and it seems they pay more attention to detail then Borgeson. Not that it matters one bit but I wanted to mention it. The Redhead gear is impressive out of the box. I installed it in record time (since I am a pro now) and drove it around the block. It took me a little to get the wheel centered but after I got it dialed… I was extremely happy. The on center slop was almost gone, very acceptable for an old pickup in my opinion. I actually wanted to drive my truck around a little more just to enjoy my new steering feel. I love it. The Redhead does require more effort to turn the wheel then the Borgeson, but that is what I wanted. I love the way the Redhead feels.


Bottom Line

The Borgeson is the box for you if you are looking for more assist.

The Redhead is the box for you if you want on center response. My vote is for the Redhead.

My Borgeson box is for sale now.

Hope this helps the next guy looking into this upgrade.

 

How much are you asking for the Borgeson? Just curious. Sucks about your experience with them. How do you like the shaft?

 

I do want to say again that Gil from Borgeson was very nice and did what he could to make me happy.

The whole project was a bit more painful then I thought it would be and much more expensive then expected but I feel worth it in the end. I hope to get another 3 years out of the truck.

I have had the Borgeson shaft for many years now. I was chasing a "clunk" that I thought the shaft would cure. Turns out the "clunk" was the steering box!!! The Borgeson shaft is fine I guess?? It looks nice when new but after a couple years looks ratty. I did have to replace it again because the set screw snapped when I went to remove it... so the lesson here is don't use Red Loctite for the set screw on the Borgeson shaft!! lol

I would take $300 for the box. I am in northern NJ.

 

wish i had the extra cash laying around... id be all over this!

 

I see the problem from the post! You were using nails and packaging tape to hold the steering box on! Thats a no-no. Gotta use duct tape. Not packaging. Lol.

 

It should be noted that the Borgeson has a different rack ratio, which probably explained the "improved" or "assist" feel compared to stock box/redhead.

Sorry for your experience. I can't imagine the pain of uninstall/reinstall/uninstall/reinstall/uninstall/reinstall + fluid!! grrrr

 

I'm so glad I got the Red-Head. I was one mouse click away to getting the Borgeson.

 

Oops... lol....

Here is the eBay listing in case anyone is interested.....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200918626775...#ht_215wt_1255

 

How much was the red head out of curiosity? Couldn't find a price on their website. Do you have to upgrade the steering shaft as well?

 

The Redhead was ~ $500 shipped to NJ.

There is a $150 core charge.

So total will be ~ $375 after I get my core refund.

I don't "think" you need to update the shaft. I would call them and ask though.