I’ve been round the block on steering box’s and front end parts on my 97 2dr. It’s better but not what it should be.
I’ve fought loose steering on this truck for long as I’ve had it which is 12-15 years.
For a 4x4 truck, quick ratio is not a good fit from what the steering box companies tell me.
If I had it to do all over again I’d double and triple check every moving front end part before I installed a steering box. Including control arm bushings and sway bar bushing. Once I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt I’d buy a brand new steering box. Not sure which brand but best I could get. I won’t buy a rebuilt box custom or not. I’ve been down that road.
I’ve tried 3 different steering boxes. Lares which I sent back. An AGM box, company in Ft Worth that went out of business and a Red Top. I bought the Red Top to replace the AGM which I thought was bad. With the Red Top I couldn’t even drive down the freeway. Sent it back and they gave me my money back. We put the AGM back on. It’s still not right, just a tick of play at freeway speeds.
I’ve replaced every steering part on the truck as far as I know. I an no expert in the least. I’m of the opinion just because a box doesn’t have play on the bench or on the truck may not mean the box is good. Once they power steering pump kicks in I’m of the opinion that’s were the rubber meets the road. The Red Top box had no play but driving down the road it was all over the place. That’s why the AGM box with maybe 5k miles on it went back on.
I’ve racked my brain trying to get my trucks steering better. It may be as good as it gets with 4 inch lift and 33’s. I still think part of the problem is my steering box. Last shop that removed the Red Top Box and put my AGM box back on adjusted the pre load about as tight as you can and get away with it. But this shop only does front end work and know their stuff and alignment.
The other thing I’ve thought of is my truck has the steering pump bypass, got rid of steering sensor. I wonder if that bypass doesn’t put to much boost on the steering box, just a thought. Once I get my truck back together, have the interior out and about to hit the paint shop too. I’ll get back on this steering issue.