Hi All,

I believe my steering box is going. I have replaced almost all the front end steering parts including HD steering, tie rod ends, bushings, as well as ball joints and wheel bearings.

At stop and low speeds the truck moves the tires effortlessly from left to right lock but at higher speeds there is definitely play in the steering wheel and at stop the steering wheel has an easy inch or two of play before it feels like it catches and starts turning the tires. I have tried tightening the nut on the top of the steering box and it fixes the problem but only for a few drives. This has me thinking that the steering box is my issue. Please let me know if you think differently.

Another question, is it worth it to spend the money on a red head steering box? I know it's the best part out there but this truck is really only used for driving in bad weather and making runs to the hardware store. Would one off RockAuto suffice for my needs?

Thanks,
Patrick

 

This could be your problem

http://www.rocksolidramtrucksteering.com/

 

Thanks! I remember reading about that fix a long time ago. I will give his spring test a chance!

 

So I gave the spring a rocking and I couldn't tell if there was that much play but I feel like I could hear a clunking noise when I was doing it. I think I might give that a try since its cheaper than a steering box.

 

I have the HD steering on my truck, and most of my slop comes from the drag link rolling the tie rod, instead of moving it from side to side......

 

With the truck turned off there is a ton of play in the steering wheel left to right. Hoping the steering bushing is the fix since the truck doesn't pull or feel non confident over bumps. The steering wheel just feels like its going to fall off.

 

Yes, it's the gear box.

Yes, Redhead is worth it.

No, you don't want to do the job twice or more with reman junk.

What brand of HD tie rods did you get?

 

With the truck off I can grab the steering column in the engine bay and easily twist it back and forth. Do you think that is a problem with the gear box?

This is exactly my problem. Looks like I am ordering a $350 steering box.

 

If you haven't changed the steering gearbox since 1998, the steering gearbox is the likely problem! The stock steering boxes are known to go bad over time. You can try adjusting it to see if that helps (it did for me for a while). Loosen the locknut on top of the steering box and tighten the screw down until you feel it make some light contact, then tighten down the locknut while keeping the screw from moving. Drive the truck and see if its any better.

 

Ordered the Redhead gear box this afternoon. Is there any recommended power steering fluid to use? Synthetic?

Thanks for the help!