So i was doing a MASSIVE amount of work on my 98 ram 1500 4x4 this weekend and upon inspection i found out my steering problem is that the gear box is well beyond its better days. The steering gets worse every day. I off road a lot and it has to turn 35s so i need a recommendation of a better than oem steering gear box upgrade. Anybody have any experience with upgraded steering boxes on these trucks?

 

I have a Borgeson and I have mixed feelings on it. To be honest I probably wouldn't buy it again. I had a mechanic install it since I didn't have time to mess with it when I needed it and I needed my truck. Well, it leaked instantly after installing it. I had to ship it back to Borgeson on my dime, endure the downtime while they repaired it (or sent a replacement, I'm not sure which). When I got it back the one I received looked like it had been beat on with a hammer, the shift was scarred like it had vise grips clamped into it, etc. Since I needed the truck, I had the mechanic install it anyway. This one does work and doesn't seem to leak. It's been on there a little over 2 years now. So while it does work now, I don't see any difference between it and the working factory one. The whole experience left me skeptical on the build quality of the thing although I have heard good reports from other people. If I hadn't had all of those issues I'd have thought it was fine, I just still wouldn't have seen much of an improvement over an OEM one.

I've heard good things about Redhead boxes, but I've never personally used one.

If I was to do it again I'd be very tempted to spend the extra money and go with an OEM one from Dodge. I very rarely regret going with an OEM part after I get past the initial sticker shock. They tend to last a lot longer for me than most aftermarket parts do. I've gotten to the point where the only time I'm really a fan of aftermarket parts is when I'm going to see a big improvement in performance and that's just not the case with one of these boxes.

 

Well, I have a Redhead and I'm not sure if I would recommend them. But there's not much else out there.

All I've read are good stories about them so for years I've been dreaming of getting one.
Last year, I finally had the money and means to do the job. I replaced the linkage with the famous T steering and when that didn't help at all, I finally did the box. Drove down to Redhead in Auburn and picked one up. Even got a tour! They are very proud of their shop.

Got it home and installed with no idea how it would go. Everything came off with just pb blaster! Did the bleed procedure, used ATF, followed instructions to a T! Thing was stiff as a '49 ford. Squealed when turned, wouldn't return at all, just sucked. I called and they wanted me to bleed it again. So I did it a third time. Same thing. So I replaced the pump. Same thing. Finally, they said bring it in. So I drove back down there and they looked at it for an hour and finally just loosened the jam nut on the worm gear. All it did was add some play. Then after a week, it got more play in it. I had my Dad check it out as I turned, and the gear box was shot. The shaft was moving side to side.

I called and they immediately sent another box. So I replaced it with the new one, did the exact same bleeding, and it was immediately better. Actually wanted to return a little. Took over 3k miles to break in though. I drove across country and it was so stiff that my hand cramped up and I dreamed of driving it off a cliff. I was done.

Then after the trip, it finally started loosening up a little. The new pump is very whiny, but the box is still tight and has decent feel and a little return. I test drove a new Ram 2500 and it felt like mine so I'm good for now. All I'm running are 285s on stock wheels so I don't know if it would return 35s.

You can call Redhead and they'll explain what they do differently and I believe they are really trying. Their service was great replacing mine no questions asked. The job isn't too bad, especially the second time around. You'll need some hard to find tools like 32mm socket (IIRC) and pitman puller. Plus some flare nut wrenches are good, too. Lots of patience with skinny arms are a plus. Just annoying that the 'best' are still prone to making junk. But my luck has always been like this. Get the best and find the one bad one in the bunch. . .

 

I put a RedHead in my 96 1500 4WD and it made all the difference. Did replace all the major components up there as well, but it is quiet and responsive. Good buy in my book.

 

I have a Borgeson and have been very happy with it.