After purchasing my '89 Cheyenne, this summer, I noticed a huge amount of slop in the steering. I joined this forum, and found that this is a common malady with this family of trucks. My initial attempt to remedy the situation was replace ball joints, tie-rods, idler and center link. That did tighten the steering somewhat, but not the slop. The next item on the block was the Jeep steering mod. After reading the pros and cons of this, I eventually bought the GM 3500 steering shaft. Still had the slop, but getting better. The only thing left, was the steering box. A lot of threads were saying RED HEAD/ BLUE TOP, but someone from Arizona (can't find that thread again, but many thanks) suggested Benchwork Steering Systems (www.benchworksteering.com). So, I contacted them, and bought one of their units. I installed it, along with a new pitman arm (this may actually have been the culprit all along). Gotta say, the steering now is night and day different, in a nice way!! Thanks again to the person in Arizona for the heads-up
A steering box replacement
- Thread starter Leeztruk
- Start date
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reservoir dog
I'm Awesome
Would you happen to have the part # for the 3500 steering shaft, thanks
drewcrew
I'm Awesome
What is the benefit of the 3500 shaft ? Thanks
reservoir dog
I'm Awesome
Thanks , I was thinking of replacing the rag joint in mine but this would be even better.
The flimsy, under-engineered rag joint on the steering-box end of the original shaft is infamous for wearing-out.
The 3500 shaft replaces the rag joint with a U-joint. No more slop due to the worn-out rag joint.
Downside is that the 3500 shaft only works for '88--'94-ish trucks, because the newer trucks have a redesigned steering column that puts another joint in the assembly inside the cab.
The 3500 shaft replaces the rag joint with a U-joint. No more slop due to the worn-out rag joint.
Downside is that the 3500 shaft only works for '88--'94-ish trucks, because the newer trucks have a redesigned steering column that puts another joint in the assembly inside the cab.
Denny 1991
Newbie
Are the shafts identical on 2wd and 4wd?
Define "identical".
The "upgrade" C3500 shaft fit my '88 K1500 like it was made for it. I have no doubt that--within the model year range specified previously--it'll fit either a K-model or a C-model.
Problems seem to be based on model year, not based on how many wheels are driven.
Thanks for the info!
pgutier1
I'm Awesome
I have a 92 K1500 suburban 4x4 and did the Jeep Cherokee steering shaft mod and it was a huge improvement. What are the pros and cons and why did you choose the 3500 instead?
Same question for steering box...why Benchwork over Red Head?
Thanks!
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