Tight/Binding Steering Issue

east302 said:

...which some alien civilization’s archaeologists will study and think that they were religious talismans that we coveted and made into necklaces.

We’ve completely derailed this guy’s thread, lol. Sorry, @Ruff Idol

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True. Apologies to the OP!

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...n,5.7l+v8,1303388,steering,steering+gear,7416

alpinecrick said:

GMT 400 or 800?

If it's for the GMT400 do you have a link?

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I put in a RedHead steering box on mine and it was tight at first, with the steering wheel not wanting to return to center after coming out of a turn. However, after a couple months it was perfect. However, I replaced everything up front at the same time including the rag joint too.

SUBURBAN5 said:

For 510$ check out this warranty

You must be registered for see images attach

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Great warranty, so I looked up the gear and pump and the country of origin was China so I think Bluetop/RedHead rebuilds is still the best bet.

98 Nitro said:

Great warranty, so I looked up the gear and pump and the country of origin was China so I think Bluetop/RedHead rebuilds is still the best bet.

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Lol go figure

I feel like I say this all the time, but country of origin isn't everything when it comes to picking quality parts. China is capable of producing some great stuff if the proper quality control measures are in place. This is why I still buy OEM ACDelco parts for most things (unless I'm pretty confident that I've found the actual manufacturer, then I'll buy straight from them for cheaper). Even though they're usually re-boxed Chinese parts, someone at GM/ACDelco chooses those suppliers. I'm not sure exactly what methods they use to do so, but what I do know is that I have a ton of "Made in China" OEM ACDelco parts on my trucks, and I haven't had any major issues with them.

If you prefer not to buy from China for political reasons that's fine, I'm not trying to tell anyone how to live their life. Just wanted to point out that not everything Chinese made is garbage.

Apologies for derailing the thread further...

df2x4 said:

I feel like I say this all the time, but country of origin isn't everything when it comes to picking quality parts. China is capable of producing some great stuff if the proper quality control measures are in place. This is why I still buy OEM ACDelco parts for most things (unless I'm pretty confident that I've found the actual manufacturer, then I'll buy straight from them for cheaper). Even though they're usually re-boxed Chinese parts, someone at GM/ACDelco chooses those suppliers. I'm not sure exactly what methods they use to do so, but what I do know is that I have a ton of "Made in China" OEM ACDelco parts on my trucks, and I haven't had any major issues with them.

If you prefer not to buy from China for political reasons that's fine, I'm not trying to tell anyone how to live their life. Just wanted to point out that not everything Chinese made is garbage.

Apologies for derailing the thread further...

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I agree 100% it's just a shame how many things in everyday life is made in China. That's all. But like you said some good some bad. Just wish we could start making our own parts and products.... especially nowdays

df2x4 said:

I feel like I say this all the time, but country of origin isn't everything when it comes to picking quality parts. China is capable of producing some great stuff if the proper quality control measures are in place. This is why I still buy OEM ACDelco parts for most things (unless I'm pretty confident that I've found the actual manufacturer, then I'll buy straight from them for cheaper). Even though they're usually re-boxed Chinese parts, someone at GM/ACDelco chooses those suppliers. I'm not sure exactly what methods they use to do so, but what I do know is that I have a ton of "Made in China" OEM ACDelco parts on my trucks, and I haven't had any major issues with them.

If you prefer not to buy from China for political reasons that's fine, I'm not trying to tell anyone how to live their life. Just wanted to point out that not everything Chinese made is garbage.

Apologies for derailing the thread further...

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df,

A neighbor across the pasture from me worked as a "production engineer" (whatever that is) for a company that produced optical systems for medical/industrial equipment. He spent a fair amount of time in China overseeing production of his company's systems. As he says" The Chinese have an uncanny ability to meet specifications and produce junk."

In the end though, you are generally correct, it's about quality control by the company that specs and puts their name on the items.
Like you, I will usually look for GM OEM, AC Delco, or Delphi (even though Delphi is no longer wholly owned by GM) first. For political, patriotic, and for USA's own long term good, I look for country of origin too, and when I can find it and/or afford it I buy American.

Look at AC Delco and Delphi products reviews on Amazon. Alot of the recent reviews will give bad reviews and say it was made in China so I am not so sure they are quality anymore. Now the GM Genuine/ AC Delco OEM line which is mostly made in Mexico seems to be ok but those parts are disappearing fast.

alpinecrick said:

df,

A neighbor across the pasture from me worked as a "production engineer" (whatever that is) for a company that produced optical systems for medical/industrial equipment. He spent a fair amount of time in China overseeing production of his company's systems. As he says" The Chinese have an uncanny ability to meet specifications and produce junk."

In the end though, you are generally correct, it's about quality control by the company that specs and puts their name on the items.
Like you, I will usually look for GM OEM, AC Delco, or Delphi (even though Delphi is no longer wholly owned by GM) first. For political, patriotic, and for USA's own long term good, I look for country of origin too, and when I can find it and/or afford it I buy American.

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We're definitely in agreement. When it comes to Chinese manufacturing I agree that the majority of it is questionable at best, but when someone really puts the hammer down on QC they can make a fine product.

I go for made in the USA whenever possible as well, but lately it seems it either isn't possible at all or the price difference is extremely prohibitive. I love my country, but I'm not made of money either.

98 Nitro said:

Look at AC Delco and Delphi products reviews on Amazon. Alot of the recent reviews will give bad reviews and say it was made in China so I am not so sure they are quality anymore. Now the GM Genuine/ AC Delco OEM line which is mostly made in Mexico seems to be ok but those parts are disappearing fast.

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The trick is definitely sticking to the OEM part numbers when you can. When that isn't an option and the ACDelco "Professional" line is all that's available, I'll do my best to research and find who actually makes that part for ACDelco based on pictures, descriptions, reviews etc. and buy that brand instead. For example, the brake drums for my '97s. ACDelco Professionals were around $80 each and I got the exact same parts from Raybestos for around half the price. Same numbers stamped into them in the same spot, same finish and everything.