Reman steering box with slack

[Texcuda]

So I have installed 4 reman boxes across two different trucks (both GMT 400s) within the last 12 months and every single one had 3"-4" of slack after installing. Anyone ever had this phenomenon? I put the Z86 quick ratio box in my 93 RCSB (reman from Oreilly) with all brand new front end parts (pitman, idler, inner and outer tie rods) and I have the same slack with the new box that I had with the old box. The front end aligned fine and it drives nice and straight minus the slack which sucks at 70mph. Anyone have any thoughts?


Edit: I have thought about adjusting the box but it has a lifetime warranty. I'm caught between adjusting the box and having that not work then not being able to exchange it (Oreilly puts a glob of paint on the adjuster) versus swapping for another crap box.

 

[Texcuda]

Just talked with http://www.pscmotorsports.com/ and they quoted me $200 - $250 for a complete rebuild and replace of worn parts + shipping. I may bite the bullet and do that.

 

[Jrgunn5150]

Remanned box's are just re-sealed. Unless you go Redhead or the like.

 

[Justin S]

Check your rag joint, and regardless of the condition, consider the XJ shaft swap.

 

[Texcuda]

My rag joint is fine although I'm going to do the XJ swap for looks.....

 

[Marcos]

I did the XJ swap and solved my issues with my slack. It was a combo of rag joint even though I replaced the rubber and the worn box which i replaced but now have to change it again.

 

[TopdaT]

I got a PSC box and have to say I was disappointed when I got it... The gear was binding or something. They did take it back full refund minus shipping however.. Believe it or I ended up swapping to a 454 quick ratio box straight from AutoZone. The truck has been on the road now for over a year and so far no issues and the steering is really responsive.

 

[Texcuda]

That's what I got from O'Reilly, the quick ratio box for the 454SS trucks. It is quick ratio, which makes the 3" of slack seem worse.

 

[chipskittles]

Here is why rebuild boxes still have play: http://www.stangerssite.com/CanISteeringBox2.html

I rebuilt 2 boxes on my own and it was better but never what I thought it was supposed to be. Even with the jeep shaft I had an inch or so of play. It wasn't dangerous but it was annoying. I ended up getting a NOS delphi box and it made all the difference in the world.

 

[Texcuda]

Interesting read, and it all makes sense. They aren't terribly difficult to rebuild. I wonder if replacement parts are easily sourceable....