I bought a reconditioned steering box from https://www.cancraft.com/ in Langley, British Columbia.
They used oversized ball bearings. And were really great to deal with too. I believe it was around $350 after sending the core back to them.
It definitely helped with the front end as before I needed 2 hands to drive near tractor trailers and now 1 handed. Still blows around but not like before. Still have some bushings to do to make it better.

Scott

 

Van has a fair bit of sail area,.... so, not really surprised a stiff breeze will push ya around.

 

I have a '94 Ram van and also had loose steering after about 140,000 miles. I changed the long steering bar first (don't know what it's called) that's about 3' long and had loose ends. That fixed some of the problem but changing the steering box was the real fix. It's now fun to drive again and it stay in the lane.

 

i fixed the same problem on my 2003 dodge van by buying a redhead steering gearbox problem solved i also replaced the tires with smaller ones those tires the van come's with are to big for the van 235/70/16 i also plan on installing a rack and pinion steering from a 2003 ram truck not 4x4

 

My 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 (Canadian) is the same way. Who did you contact regarding the rebuilt steering box? Also, I'm considering a rear spring replacement or add-a-leaf to address rear-end sway especially with a full water tank. Thoughts anybody? Note on my van the rear stance used to be 3 ins. narrower than the front...it's a Dodge thing. I have corrected with 1.5 in. rear spacers on each back wheel. Helped, but I'm still not happy with the handling.

 

Idler arm was replaced by a local shop that is used to working on larger vehicles and wow, what an improvement. And affordable when compared with the cost of a new or rebuilt steering box. The play in the steering wheel has gone from at least 45 degrees from centre in both directions to about 5 degrees from centre. A much more relaxing drive...just have to learn not to over-steer it.

 

Hi, i purchase a redhead power steering gear box problem solved those gearbox from auto parts store are GARBAGE

 

Why yes, yes they are. It's really a crap shoot if the box you buy is any better than the one your are replacing, more often than not, the answer to that is..... No.

 

I just orders a Redhead box. I hope it cures my issue of 30-40 degs of play in the steering. I am at almost 200k on the original.

 

i had about 3 1/2 to 4" of play no more redhead i love redhead's