Lost Texan

Does anyone know of a good aftermarket steering box, other than PSC (they dodn't have an 07' steering box), that I can replace the factory POS with?

I'm tired of the slop in a steering box that has 6K miles on it.

Thanx,

LT

wreedCTD

what problems are you having already?

Lost Texan

It's just sloppy. It's been to the dealer 3 times and everytime they say everything is within spec. I tightened it up tonight after I posted this thread so we'll see how it acts tomorrow on the freeway. I'll post back with the results. I just have a hard time believing that no one makes an awesome steering box yet to replace these.

vzdude

Are the tires listed in your sig E-rated? That could be a LOT of your problem. I've seen it too many times to say. Not saying the size is the problem, but the lower rating is a softer sidewall allowing for more flex.

Lost Texan

I believe they're D rated. The problem existed even when I had the stockers on there. One thing I noticed this evening when I was adjusting the steering box was a popping feeling that was felt strongest on the pittman arm. It wasn't very intense when you touched the steering box or as you moved away from the pittman arm on the steering linkages.

Robert373

You may want to look at one of these. It isn't a steering box, but may help solve your problem.

http://www.solidsteel.ca/

I built something similar to this for mine, and installed it last week. Seems to tighten the steering up. I am happy with it.

LanceK

I have 18K and this week mine started to feel sloppy expecially in the middle of the rotation.

Can you describe the process to "tighten" the steering box?

Lost Texan

Robert373: Thank you for providing the link. I actually have one of those though. It did help some but not totally.

LanceK: First you have to find the center of your steering box. It's easy enough, turn your truck on, turn the wheel all the way to the left, then, count the number of turns it takes you turn all the way to the right. Didvide that number by 2 and turn wheel that many times to the left. That's the center of your steering.

The steering is "tightened" with a allen screw on the top of the steering box. There are two nuts that keep the allen screw from turning, the top nut is 18MM's, the bottom is 5/8's. Take the first nut off completely, then loosen the second. You should be able to turn the allen screw now. You don't want to ver tighten the allen screw, a quarter turn at most. If you're laying on your back looking up at the steering box, you'll want to turn the allen wrench counter clockwise. Remember, not more than a quarter turn. Tighten the nuts back up and you should be good to go.

XLR8R

This made a vast improvement in my steering, especially in a parking spot with the 37" Toyos:



Don't forget to check the trackbar-frame bolt for movement when you turn the steering wheel back and forth.

Lost Texan

"Don't forget to check the trackbar-frame bolt for movement when you turn the steering wheel back and forth."

Is this a common problem? What's the fix?

jrussell

Wow...now that is cool!

I assume you fabbed that up yourself?

XLR8R

Thanks

Yes, I designed and built it at the shop.
It's a combination swaybar drop mount/Pitman shaft support.

I call it the Stainless Steel Steering Shaft Stabilizer, or SSSSS

jrussell

Reinforcing the sector shaft is a really good idea and that looks soooo clean combined with the swaybar mount.

Before the added support could you visibly see flex at the steering box and/or pitman arm turning the 37's while stopped?

XLR8R

I had the trackbar drop mount and SSSSS already fabbed in the shop the day I dropped the front axle to install the 2" leveling spacers, shocks and Toyos.

Before, with the BFG 315s - 2 hands to comfortably turn the steering wheel in a parking spot.

After the above install - one hand to spin the Toyos in the same scenario.
I was surprised at how much difference it made, so the next time at the shop when I lifted the truck back up to fine-tune the adjustable flange bearing, we put lateral pressure on the sector shaft w/o the SSSSS (wheels off the ground) and even less than 50# of force would make for a noticeable increase in steering effort.

jrussell

Very interesting. Thanks!