Ok my gear box for my steering has been leaking like a faucet for the past few months I am gonna replace hear soon and was just wondering if I should go OEM or after market? I found a OEM online for about $165. How hard is it to replace and do I need any special tool for this. A local tire shop wants $460 to do it seems a little steep, what do you guys think?

Thanks Chris

 

I use Napa brand steering boxes, they come with a lifetime warranty. Make sure that you get a 3 turn lock to lock steering gear as some trucks came with a 4 turn lock to lock box. The 3 turn makes the steering a joy to drive.

They are simple to replace, did one on my brothers truck in 1 hour. You just need a pitman arm puller to do the job, not worth paying shop rates. Just make sure the wheels are straight, pull the pitman arm, take one bolt out of the steering shaft which hooks to the wheel & push it off. take the 3 bolts out which mount the steering gear to the frame. Lower the box down & sit it on a box or something. Then unhook the 2 hoses from the box, plenty of slack in the hoses. To install it, make sure that the white mark on the steering shaft aligns with the flat spot on the input shaft & it pops right on. Very easy job.

 

JLent.... that 3 turn box.... you got that from Napa? If so if you dont mind me askin how much? PM if you feel that would be better. thanks

 

Thanks Jamie I'll check with NAPA

 

Hey Jamie NAPA only shows a gear box with a 4 1/4 lock to lock turn where do you get the 3 turn from or is it a special order from them?

 

Yes, don't know the part number though. To check your steering, just turn the wheel all the way right till it locks, then turn it all the way left from there & count the revolutions. You will have either 4 turns or 3 turns lock to lock. I had to order the box off of a 01 2wd I think it was, not sure, but just make sure it is 3 turns lock to lock. I think it was $165 garage priced, but I'll have to ask my bro.
Your 01 may already have a 3 turn lock to lock box from the factory. I can call Napa tomorrow & make sure of the part number. If I'm not around [have to go to work] call 724-785-3800 [Brownsville, Pa. Napa] & ask for Wes. Tell him that Jamie Lent told you to call about a 3 turn lock to lock steering box that he ordered for me [special order] He will get you the part number.

 

Alright guys, called Napa & the part # is 277604. The price is $178.99, but I got it for $160.99. They have to be ordered out here.

 

Thanks for the good info Jamie I am gonna get one ordered.

 

No problem, you wouldn't believe the hassle I went through trying to find out which box was 3 turn when I ordered mine. Trying to save you some time.

 

Anyone know if this steering gear will work on a 1997 2500? Thanks.

Oreilly Auto Parts has them also for 178, and I get a discount there also.

 

Go with the 841MX from PSC. It is a 3 turn box with lightened valving.......I can drive my truck with a couple fingers. Actually, it is easier to steer than my wife's civic. Cost about $300 from 4wheelcustoms.com.

Waylan

 

My truck is the same way, I was gonna buy a PSC, but figured I get a lifetime warranty with Napa & it is down the road. Their boxes are smooth & my friend has had one for 3 years now with no hassle. I put one on my truck, my brothers truck for $322. for both.

 

yea i also switched from a 4 turn box to a 3 turn. most 1500 trucks had them. i cant say all but everyone i have seen has one. the only part i dont like is plowing snow with it. when turning tight alot with a heavy snow plow it heats up fast from the tighter ratio.

 

Really? I plow snow & never noticed it heating up.

 

Funny how things are different from one store to the next. I called Wes at the NAPA in PA. This is the guy that Jamie gave us a heads up on, just like he said 160 bucks for the box problem is they need a core and their not sure how to do this from 3000 miles away so he is going to get back to me and let me know. The local NAPA here wants $210 for the same part??? Go figure I guess I'll wait to see what will come out of the Napa in PA. Thanks Jamie I appreciate the heads up!